Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers News: Trevor Ariza Believes Conditioning Is Good But Admits Ankle Gets Sore At Times
FeaturedLakers News

Lakers News: Trevor Ariza Believes Conditioning Is Good But Admits Ankle Gets Sore At Times

Corey Hansford
Published: 12/23/2021
5 Min Read
Trevor Ariza, Lakers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

As the Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with players going in and out of the lineup due to the recent spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases around the league, the team did finally get a huge return as Trevor Ariza made his season debut after preseason ankle surgery.

Ariza was expected to play a big role for the Lakers this season and having him back in the lineup gives Frank Vogel arguably his best 3-and-D weapon.

Ariza has been somewhat limited in his court time so far since coming back, averaging just 18 minutes in his two contests. This is to be expected for a 36-year old who likely hasn’t been able to do as much running because of the injury, but Ariza says his conditioning is fine even though his ankle gets sore at times.

“Conditioning I feel pretty cool,” the veteran forward said. “It’s more so like a later, in the game longer in the game my foot gets a little sore. My ankle gets a bit sore. Just managing that and being able to stay engaged and keep my ankle as warm as possible. That’s pretty much the big thing, it’s not so much conditioning.”

This is proof of the work ethic Ariza possesses and the plan the Lakers took in slowly bringing him back so he can build up his stamina. A little soreness is to be expected, but Ariza looks as if he will be able to play bigger minutes in the near future.

That is ideal for the Lakers, who continue to be inconsistent throughout the season and find themselves at .500 once again after a three-game losing streak. But Ariza says the team isn’t making excuses, but embracing their issues in order to improve upon them.

“Well, obviously, as a group, our record doesn’t show where we want to be,” Ariza added. “Our play hasn’t been consistent, but we have stretches in games where it looks good, it looks great. We get better defensively. Stretches offensively where we’re clicking, but we haven’t been able to put it all together.

“Again, we can make excuses of people not being here or getting guys in and out. We can make excuses, but this is not a team that does that. We’re embracing the negative I guess you would say and trying to make it work.”

Ariza’s presence certainly could help that improvement and he has been on fire since returning, not missing a shot from the floor yet. Of course he isn’t a high-volume shooter, but he made sure he was prepared by putting in the work during his recovery.

“Well, throughout my time being injured, I didn’t just sit and not do anything. I was shooting every day, lifting every day. It’s routine. I watched us play, I watched film a lot.

“Getting into the right spots, trying to be ready whenever the ball comes to me or however many shots I get. Just being ready for them. It’s like just practice.”

Fizdale believes Ariza brings versatility to Lakers

Ariza brings a lot of different elements to the Lakers and has seen and done it all throughout his time in the NBA. Assistant coach David Fizdale believes that versatility will be a great addition to the Lakers.

“One was just getting him back on the court,” Fizdale said after the game. “Just sweating, hitting, cutting, all of the good stuff. For him to see the ball go in was huge. He’s gonna add a ton of versatility to our team as he gets stronger and gets his conditioning up.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles LakersTrevor Ariza
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?