Lakers Gives Concerning Update on Trevor Ariza

The Los Angeles Lakers won’t have Trevor Ariza on the basketball court in the near future. The team confirmed the information after providing an update on Ariza’s condition. I guess LeBron will have to wait a little before he meets his rival. Let’s not forget that Ariza and LeBron were rivals in high school. King James was a top star and Ariza was a bit… frustrated.

Let’s go back to Ariza’s physical condition. The Lakers will re-evaluate the veteran forward in two months. The front office got him in the offseason hoping that he would make an impact. However, Arizan didn’t play in the preseason and the regular season is already here. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will have to fix his rotation.

This may be one of the biggest challenges in the regular season. LA has too many guards on the roster. Eight of 14 players on the current roster are guards, and they have two centers. Vogel has only four players that classify as top forwards. Ariza is out of the game. Anthony Davis will probably get center position. Enter LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

From Lakers press release: "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."

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2021

Lakers need to find a replacement for Trevir Aruza

Losing Ariza to an injury is a big blow for the team. Vogel needs more forward minutes out of his other forwards. Anthony may get an expanded role. Davis may also play more center. This move would compromise the spacing on the floor.

The Lakers brought Ariza for a second stint. They probably liked the skill set he had back in the days. Who will step in and replace him? Vogel has a few valuable options for his team and he challenged each and every player on his roster.

Recent reports reveal that the Lakers may have only 14 players in the regular season in order to boost their in-season flexibility.

LeBron and Russell Westbrook haven’t players in the preseason and the team lost both playoff games. The Phoenix Suns played most of their stars. We all know what that means.

Vogel said he will play his stars later in the preseason but didn’t provide more information. Let’s see what happens in a couple of weeks.