Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza to miss extended period after undergoing ankle procedure

The Los Angeles Lakers have suffered a blow in the lead up to opening night, with veteran forward Trevor Ariza undergoing an ankle procedure.

The team announced the injury and stated the following.

“Trevor Ariza had an arthroscopic debridement procedure performed on his right ankle today. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery. Team doctors will reevaluate Ariza in approximately 8 weeks, and an update will be provided at that time.”

The eight week reevaluation date means Ariza appears in doubt to see the floor this calendar year in a far from ideal start for the 36-year-old.

Most projections had Ariza coming off the bench to start the season, with the veteran likely to battle with Carmelo Anthony for rotation minutes behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

Anthony should expect to get a bump in minutes as a result of the injury. Despite hinting at Davis playing more minutes at the five this season, Frank Vogel may now opt to keep his superstar big man at the four with the two-man center rotation of DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard filling the minutes at the five. 

Joining the Lakers as a free agent in the offseason, it’s Ariza’s second stint with the franchise after wearing the purple and gold in 2008 and the championship winning season in 2009.

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