NOT AGAIN: Lakers Face Their First Injury Worry Prior to the 2021–22 NBA Season

Published 10/01/2021, 8:30 AM EDT

Coming out of an injury-plagued season, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for their next run at the championship. The preseason is nearing as Frank Vogel and co. will lock horns with the Brooklyn Nets in their first new-season matchup.

The previous season proved to be an unfortunate year for the Lakers. Having won the title in the Orlando Bubble, expectations were high from the defending champions. However, injuries took a huge toll on their standings. LeBron James and the Lakers were sent home by the eventual runner-up, Phoenix Suns in the first round of playoffs.

Lakers’ superstar James faced an ankle injury during the 2020-21 regular season. The King was benched in several games, leaving his partner Anthony Davis to lead the charge. Furthermore, things only got worse when AD faced a groin injury during Game 4 against the Suns. He missed Game 5 and most part of Game 6 only to watch his team being eliminated early on.

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Other than the star duo, the likes of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, and Markieff Morris also went through minor injuries.

Trevor Ariza missed practice day due to an injury

With the new season coming up, the jolt may have not ended for the LA team. In their recent preseason practice on Thursday, Lakers forward Trevor Ariza missed the session due to right ankle soreness, as told by coach Frank Vogel.

Frank Vogel said Trevor Ariza has some right ankle soreness and didn’t practice today, but it’s nothing they’re concerned about. Otherwise, everybody practiced.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2021

The team has said it’s a minor break and he’ll be back soon. However, this season, the Lakers must be extra cautious with injuries after going through an on-and-off year for their stars.

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It’s a new season for the Lakers

All-star Davis is going to be back on court alongside LeBron James and a number of veteran stars recently acquired. The star-studded group includes Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo.

On Oct 3, the Lakers will begin their 2021-22 campaign against east’s star team Brooklyn Nets at the STAPLES Center. Fans will hope for an injury-free season for the Lakers this time around.

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Written by:

Pavni Ahuja is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Housing a keen interest in sports journalism, she is pursuing an undergraduate Journalism degree from Christ University. Pavni is an ardent fan of the NBA, with prior district-level playing experience in basketball.

NOT AGAIN: Lakers Face Their First Injury Worry Prior to the 2021–22 NBA Season

Trevor Ariza missed practice day due to an injury

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