LAKERS NOTEBOOK: ARIZA GETTING A FRESH START.

Byline: Elliott Teaford

Staff Writer

MILWAUKEE -- Wednesday was the first day of the rest of Trevor Ariza's basketball life.

He joined the Lakers after Tuesday's trade from the Orlando Magic, but didn't play in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He participated in the pregame workout, showered and then joined his new teammates on the bench.

He sat between assistant coaches Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw. It was his first chance to watch and learn the Lakers' system.

Ariza said he hoped to absorb as much as possible during the game.

The Lakers won't practice today, taking a break to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Ariza, a former standout at UCLA and Westchester High, will have to pick up the Lakers' game plan during the shootaround before Friday's game against the Boston Celtics.

"I'll have to sit down and try to figure everything out," Ariza said. "I haven't had a chance to practice. They pretty much just they said they like what I do. I'll try to build on what I do. Play hard."

Of joining the Lakers, the team he idolized while growing up, Ariza said: "Oh man. I'm super-excited to be back home, around my family and with a great organization. Get a new start. Get a chance to start over and make the best of my situation."

Ariza declined to discuss his diminished role with the Magic, but said he had a pretty good idea that he might be traded.

Bucks honor Kareem

Milwaukee rededicated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's retired No. 33 uniform jersey at halftime. Abdul-Jabbar played for the Bucks for six seasons (1969-75) before he was traded to the Lakers. He led Milwaukee to the 1971league championship.

Abdul-Jabbar, who is an assistant coach with the Lakers, was honored as part of the Bucks' celebration of their 40th anniversary in the NBA.

"It was a great opportunity for me, especially to play with Oscar Robertson," Abdul-Jabbar said before the game of playing for the Bucks. "It was a very special time in my career. I'm glad it happened. The fans were the best. Absolutely. I can remember the support I got from the fans. They were unquestioning and rabid."

Scouting Yi

Yi Jianlian did not arrive in the NBA with the fanfare of Yao Ming, his Chinese countryman, but he's made an impression in his first few weeks in the league. The 7-foot rookie was averaging 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds before Wednesday's game.

The Lakers took a look at him before the draft, but the Bucks took him sixth overall before their turn came up at No. 19.

"We had him in for a tryout," Jackson said. "I don't know why. He's a very versatile player. Nice demeanor. I think he'll develop 3-point range. He handles the ball well. He knows some things about the game. Obviously, it's a trial year for him. I think he's going to have a big upside in this game."

Yi had 12 points and sixrebounds in the Bucks' victory over the Lakers.