Ariza conveys kind of physical stamina, the Lakers require

Late in the third quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers showed up on defense after Trevor Ariza subbed for Kobe Bryant.

Ariza changed the complexion of the game, and transformed the Lakers into a tough fierce team, that was undiscovered until he entered. With his presence, they’re dissimilar, usually becoming very physical, which is what happened against the Dallas Mavericks.

Ariza’s physical style of play resulted in a come from behind victory for a final of 106-99. They salvaged a victory over the Mavs, a game they probably would’ve surrendered if Ariza didn’t have the type of performance he showed.

While on the floor, Ariza provides that in your face type action by delivering turnovers and creating a fastbreak highlight reel in transition. His ability to rebound, score on tip shots, dunk on his own rebound, agility to drive to the bucket and leaping ability hurt the Mavs late in the third until the final buzzard sounded.

With Ariza back at full strength, the Lakers have a great combination of height in the interior, which scares opposing players from driving inside. He’s the fortitude off the Lakers bench, entering the game and inspiring teammates.

The Lakers intensity level rose to the occasion, and their self-assurance even boosted up to the next level. His capacity to energize them late in the second half empowered them to outplay, outscore and outhustle.

At one point in the game, Ariza dived to the floor, grabbing possession of the ball and then singled for a time out after none of his teammates appeared to be available for an open pass. He made a tip shot midway through the second quarter. Then within the final three minutes, he gained possession on Kobe Bryant’s jumpball contest with Jerry Stackhouse.

They went ahead on Ariza’s dunk early in the fourth, after collecting an offensive rebound. And his emphatic block put the icing on the cake in the final minutes.

Meanwhile, Ariza appeared everywhere and practically defended nearly every player on the Mavs. It should’ve taught the Mavs a lesson that playing defense is the key to obtaining a victory.

Now, the Lakers are 6-0, for the first time since the 2001-02 seasons, courtesy of Ariza’s assistance, turning their sluggish first-half into an upgrade. When the Lakers last time went unbeaten this long, they won the championship.

However, Ariza is playing as if he’s championship hungry and has proving that the Lakers are championship bound. A year ago, they were criticized about the lack of intensity on defense, but Ariza has emerged into their superstar on defense.

If he remains healthy, the Lakers are going to be very difficult to defeat this season. He provides a spark off the bench and has solidifies his teammates, getting them involve by coming away with rebounds, turning boards into a fast pace game and turns block shots and steals into easy fastbreak points.

In the first-half, the Mavs scored a season-high 35 points, but the Lakers defense responded, holding them to 39 points scored in the second-half. Although, the Lakers went into the fourth quarter trailing for the first time this season, they went on a 30-9 scoring spurt that finalized the game for good.

Game over, the Lakers improved their record and still remains unbeaten.

Ariza’s stamina and savviest have turned the Lakers into a physical force. Now, we can say the Lakers can play defense as they ought.