Trevor Ariza’s high school coach has a night to remember

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Ed Azzam, the boys’ basketball coach at Westchester High who guided Trevor Ariza and the Comets to a state championship in 2003, watched with pride on television Sunday night as Ariza and the Lakers wrapped up the NBA championship.

‘I did enjoy it,’ Azzam said. ‘He performed well. It was great to see.’

Ariza has become one of the most important members of the Lakers, improving his outside shot and distinguishing himself against the Orlando Magic.

Azzam said he was not surprised to see Ariza’s emergence.

‘He could always shoot,’ Azzam said. ‘He just didn’t have the confidence. He’s worked hard. He’s become one of their best three-point shooters.’

--Eric Sondheimer