Injuries are an unavoidable part of the NBA — and every other sport for that matter. When you put that much strain on the body, it’s only natural for some wear and tear to happen.
Of course, that doesn’t make it any easier for fans or players when injuries happen, especially before the season begins.
For the Lakers, they’re already getting a dose of the injury bug after it was announced that their veteran wing, Trevor Ariza, would be getting surgery on his right ankle. He’ll be gone for roughly 8 weeks.
The Lakers announce that Trevor Ariza is out for at least eight weeks after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right ankle.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP pic.twitter.com/MHEhfG42Jb
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 7, 2021
While the injury is relatively minor and does not have an effect on their core players, it’s obviously not an ideal way to start the new season.
On Twitter, fans couldn’t help but expresses their frustration as others took it as an opportunity to troll.
Oh here we go! The Old guys are breaking down already
— Chef Kenny Velsor (@KennyVelsor) October 7, 2021
So….the first of many missed games from the Los Angeles home for pre retirement m a players
— Dwayne Young (@DwayneY80026282) October 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/bron_back/status/1445937998718197762
Ariza will probably start doing basketball activities in a month. But it will take him another month to condition and play high level again. pic.twitter.com/isFhTvdvf7
— Dom (@Dom__) October 7, 2021
Here come all the old people laker jokes Bc ariza out the next 8 weeks smh
— L&L BBQ (@roxroyj) October 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/InMyDurag/status/1445941758005817346
Without Ariza they’re not deep enough to play AD at the 5 as much as they should 🙄
— D.O.C (@DOC323123) October 7, 2021
The narrative surrounding the Lakers all summer long has been about their age, and how their roster is far too old to compete against the likes of Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Phoenix.
While it is true that much of their core members are on the wrong side of 30, there is still a high level of confidence that they can make some noise in the West, regardless of the doubters…
“I’m not asked, I’m told that we’re old,” said Frank Vogel. “I’m in my mid-30s, I like that… It sounds wonderful.
“I don’t really like the narrative. I don’t. These guys can play. We have great players on our team. Yes, some of them are towards the end of their career. But, they’re still producing at a high level. If you’re producing at a high level, it doesn’t matter how old you are.”
This injury to Ariza obviously hurts their depth to start the season, and it has some buying into the idea that this team will have trouble staying healthy.
Nevertheless, the Purple and Gold will continue on their quest to prove the world wrong… one victory at a time.
