Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO — One possible defensive matchup that the Lakers could employ against Boston is to use forward Trevor Ariza on Celtics All-Star forward Paul Pierce, who so far in the playoffs is averaging 19 points per game.

Lakers coach Phil Jackson will begin with Vladimir Radmanovic guarding Pierce, but significant minutes could come to Ariza, who saw a scant 10 minutes of action, spaced out over three games, in the Western Conference finals against San Antonio.

Ariza missed the final 43 regular-season games because of a fractured right foot. But he says his foot is completely healthy now and he is ready to contribute in any way he can. Aside from Kobe Bryant, Ariza might be the Lakers’ best on-the-ball perimeter defender.

“It feels good. I don’t feel any pain out of it,’’ Ariza said of his foot. “It’s been that way for a while, now.’’

Jackson strongly hinted after Tuesday’s practice that Ariza likely fits into the overall team plan for the series.

“I hope he’s going to have an opportunity to play,’’ Jackson said. “He can help us.’’

Said Ariza: “I can’t say what the situation is or will be, but I know when the time comes, I’ll be ready.’’

– Art Thompson III, The Orange County Register

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