Lakers News: Returning Veteran Undergoes Surgery, Out For 8 Weeks

Trevor Ariza is a player that Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel can use as he is a 3-and-D player and a veteran with a proven stock.

However, the latest report on the one-time NBA champion is that he will be out for at least two months.

In an update from beat reporter Mike Trudell, Ariza underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right ankle but is expected to make full recovery.

With Ariza out, the likes of Kent Bazemore and Wayne Ellington may get the nod from Vogel instead. But this is under the condition that none of the two end up suffering injuries of their own.

There is also the question of whether Ariza’s case is a sign of things to come. The Lakers have several players over 35. That list includes Carmelo Anthony (37), LeBron James (36), Rajon Rondo (35) and Dwight Howard (35).

Ellington is 33, while Bazemore is 32. Although the Lakers scoffed at that concern, the Ariza case is a testament that injuries will likely hound the team at some point.

Also tied to that, questions will crop up on their ability to stay healthy until the postseason.

Sports author Roland Lazenby compared the Lakers to a rock band when he spoke on the Sports Bytes PH podcast.

While it would be a joy to watch the league's superstars in one group, he reminded everyone that it would be a "cut-throat competition."

“If it was a rock band and you are dealing with names and everyone can watch, everybody can take a solo, cheer and go crazy. But this is not a rock band. This is cut-throat competition," Lazenby pointed out.