New Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza is expected to miss at least eight weeks following surgery on his right ankle.
The Lakers announced the news on Wednesday.
Ariza underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right ankle.
The 36-year old veteran is expected to recover fully, though doctors will not re-evaluate him for eight weeks.
It’s unclear when Ariza will be able to take the court and make his Lakers debut.
The Lakers are scheduled to open the season in less than two weeks against the Golden State Warriors.
Ariza missed most of training camp due to his ankle injury.
The best-case scenario for his return is the Christmas day game or just before then.
Ariza is one of 11 new players brought to LA this offseason.
The former UCLA standout is entering his 18th season in the league while starting his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Including the Lakers, Ariza has played with 11 teams total.
Last season Ariza averaged 9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 30 games for the Miami Heat.
Ariza played alongside Kobe Bryant with the 2008-09 Lakers, who defeated the Orlando Magic for the title.
