Seen internally as one of the pieces that will unlock the Lakers’ full potential this season, Trevor Ariza being out all season so far has been felt more than any of the other absences from role players, even during a year filled with injuries so far. Ariza lasted just one day in camp before discomfort in his ankle eventually led to a procedure that was set to keep him out for eight weeks before being re-evaluated.
With that original timeline closing in next week and Ariza’s activity ramping up prior to games, both head coach Frank Vogel and Ariza himself spoke to the media after practice on Monday prior to the team’s trip to Sacramento on Tuesday.