That’s according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne revealed earlier this week that the Lakers retain a ‘fondness’ for the 33-year-old, who they were keen on before he was sent from the Phoenix Suns to the Washington Wizards.
There was speculation Ariza could be made available given he can become a free agent this summer.
Washington might have opted to offload the two-way wing to get something in return for him given they are unlikely to need him in the playoffs, with the Wizards four games off the playoffs with a 22-32 record.
A season-ending injury to John Wall appears to resign the Wizards to missing out on the playoffs, although they traded for Jabari Parker, giving up Otto Porter Jr. to the Chicago Bulls while acquiring Parker, Bobby Portis and a protected 2023 second-round draft pick.
The Wizards have also traded away forward Markieff Morris to the New Orleans Pelicans, receiving Wesley Johnson in return.
But Wojnarowski has revealed that while the Lakers are indeed interested in a deal, they appear unlikely to land the 15-season veteran.
He said on Twitter: “Lakers are interested, but Trevor Ariza and Washington Wizards remain in each’s future plans, league sources tell ESPN.
“Ariza is enthusiastic about re-signing with Washington. Wizards’ trades creating financial flexibility that’ll make it easier to bring Ariza back on new deal.”
Ariza – who is averaging 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season – is currently earning $15million on his one-year deal.
The Lakers were looking to send Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Phoenix for Ariza back in December, though the Suns were unwilling to do business unless they received a young player instead.
Phoenix owner Robert Sarver was said to have been adamant about not giving up forward Ariza to Los Angeles.
The Lakers had also shown interest in Parker before he was sent to the Wizards.
With a marquee trade for Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis increasingly unlikely before the trade deadline (3pm ET/8pm UK time), L.A. could turn to lower profile deals to beef up their roster as they push for the playoffs.
After a 42-point loss to the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James and co. are 27-27 for the season and 2.5 games back on the eighth-seeded LA Clippers.
The Lakers yesterday secured the acquisition of sharpshooter Reggie Bullock from the Detroit Pistons, giving away rookie guard Svi Mykhailiuk and a 2021 second-round pick.
Given L.A.’s poor three-point shooting, they may look to do more trades to improve their shooting from beyond the arc if Davis proves unattainable.