Trevor Ariza was one of the many veterans the Los Angeles Lakers added to the mix during a busy summer of activity in Southern California.
Unfortunately, it now looks like the veteran wing will be out through at least early December.
The Lakers announced on Wednesday that Ariza, 36, has undergone ankle surgery and will miss at least eight weeks.
“Lakers forward Trevor Ariza had an arthroscopic debridement procedure performed on his right ankle on Wednesday. He is expected to make a full and complete recovery,” the Lakers announced in a statement. “Team doctors will reevaluate Ariza in approximately 8 weeks, and an update will be provided at that time.”
Impact of Trevor Ariza injury
Los Angeles is relying on the veteran to be a three-and-D wing off the bench. He’s proven to be valuable in that role since entering the NBA as a member of the New York Knicks back in 2004.
Throughout his career, Ariza is averaging 10.5 points on 35% shooting from three-point range. He’s shooting 36% from distance since the start of the 2019-20 season.
With Trevor Ariza out of action for at least the next two months, the expectation is that fellow recent acquisitions Carmelo Anthony and Kent Bazemore will see more action. Talented youngster Talen Horton-Tucker should also see an uptick in minutes.
Los Angeles opens its regular season October 19th against the Golden State Warriors.