Now that Martell Webster is expected to miss anywhere from 3-5 months, the Washington Wizards will undoubtedly look to do anything they can to bring back free agent forward, Trevor Ariza, who had a career season in the nation’s capital this year.

Averaging over 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game while shooting a career high 41% from three, Trevor Ariza emerged as one of the league’s best 3-and-D players this season. His ability to step outside and knock down the three point shot along with his elite perimeter defense will certainly garner some interest from other teams around the NBA, not just the Wizards.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly express “strong interest” in acquiring free agent Trevor Ariza this summer.

If they are unable to land Anthony or James, the Lakers are also expected to have a strong interest in Washington free-agent forward Trevor Ariza…

Shelburn also added that the Wizards, along with the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers are all expected to express interest in Trevor Ariza.

Trevor Ariza is coming off a career season with the Wizards, but it is important to note that he was a huge part of Washington’s offense and benefited greatly from playing along side John Wall, who led the entire NBA in total assists. According to Grantland, Wall assisted on nearly 70% of Trevor Ariza’s made corner three pointers, which is a shot that helped him boost his three point percentage during his second season with the Wizards. So, even though Trevor Ariza might have a strong connection with the West Coast (he played at UCLA, won a championship with the Lakers in 2009), it’s important to remember that he’s built something great in Washington and might not be able to replicate that anywhere else.

Players typically perform well during the final season of their guaranteed contracts, but for the Wizards to retain Trevor Ariza, they’ll probably have to pay a bit more than expected. Free Agency will begin on July 1st and it looks like the Wizards will have some competition in re-signing Trevor Ariza this summer.