The Los Angeles Lakers had a forgetful 2020-21 season owing to their multiple injuries. So the main goal for the 2021-22 season was to stay healthy. But just a few days into preseason, the Lakers have already suffered an enormous setback.

After getting injured in practice, veteran Trevor Ariza will now be out for at least eight weeks before being re-evaluated, the team announced. He will need an “arthroscopic debridement procedure” for his right ankle. But the team expects him to make a “full and complete recovery.”

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The 36-year-old joined the Lakers for his second stint this summer, but has already got off to a disappointing start. His first stint with them was back in 2007 when the Lakers traded him for him, and he helped them to win the 2009 NBA championship. With his strong two-way presence on the court, he was the only wing backup player on the roster. So fans were far from happy to learn about this injury.

How can the Lakers make up for Trevor Ariza’s absence?

The Lakers made a complete overhaul to their team in the 2021 off-season. Among the current players, only LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Talen Horton-Tucker also featured for them last season. They went with the veteran approach to building the team, which worked for them during their 2020 championship run. And Ariza was a crucial part of this team plan.

But now with him out for the first two months, the Lakers cannot afford to rely on their current depth. They need to go out and sign a wing player for their 15th spot. And it can’t be just any wing player. Coach Frank Vogel prides in his team defense, so they need a solid two-way player, like James Ennis.

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The former Magic player has been rumored to join the Lakers for a few weeks, but nothing has transpired yet. But now this injury could force the Lakers to hurry and bring him in. Although Ennis is not the best defender, the 6’6 small forward can certainly offer more than THT or Kent Bazemore. And to make things sweeter, Ennis shot 43% from three last season, which is just what the Lakers need alongside Bron and AD.

With the season starting in two weeks, the Lakers will be keen to have a set rotation ahead of their opener against the Warriors. So the addition of another player, like Ennis, will be vital.

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