As if losing Andrew Bynum for a couple of months wasn't cruel enough, the Lakers learned today that they'll also be without Trevor Ariza for the next eight weeks. Ariza landed awkwardly on Derek Fisher's foot during practice on Sunday, fracturing a bone in his right foot. His loss won't hurt quite as much as Bynum's, but Ariza had become a valuable reserve since being acquired from Orlando earlier this year. He's extremely athletic and an excellent defender, and the Lakers don't really have anyone else on their roster who can fill his niche. Instead, expect to see Luke Walton play more minutes.
The Lakers' front court was already thin following injuries to Bynum and Chris Mihm, and losing Ariza was the last straw: it convinced the team to sign DJ Mbenga to a 10-day contract. Mbenga was released by the Mavericks just before the start of the season and recently spent a cup of coffee with the Warriors. I'm not sure how much he'll actually play, but if nothing else he might earn his salary sharing any secrets he picked up while in Dallas and Golden State.
Tornado Devastates Oklahoma City Suburb
WATCH: Tornadoes Rip Through Central U.S.
PHOTOS: Tornadoes Wreak Havoc On Central U.S.
Oklahoma Senators Face Difficult Options On Disaster Relief
Yahoo-Tumblr Deal Is Official: We Promise 'Not To Screw It Up'
Court Annuls Rios Montt Genocide Conviction
Obama Signs Oklahoma Disaster Declaration
Elementary Schools Hit By Oklahoma Tornado
The DOJ's Targeting Of Fox News Reporter Risks Criminalizing Journalism
Treasury, IRS Reportedly Spoke Multiple Times About How To Handle Scandal
Senate Report Reveals Apple's Unusual Tax Structure
Walmart Slammed For Handling Of Bribery Case
Sarah Palin: 'Global Warming My Gluteus Maximus'
Someone Just Made An Even Better 3D-Printed Gun
WATCH: Even The TV Anchors Had To Evacuate
FBI Now Involved In Michele Bachmann Investigation
Ex-Senator Laments 'Unfair' FAA Budget Fix
WATCH: Robert Gibbs Takes Swipe At Maureen Dowd
Feds Say Trespassing Peace Activists Are A National Security Threat
Facebook Group Reunites Tornado Victims With Their Belongings
'Worst Week' For Obama Has Surprising Effect On Polls
IT'S OFFICIAL
Tiny Southwest Colo. Town Makes Gun Ownership Mandatory
Stop-And-Frisk Judge Sharply Questions City Lawyers
Dem Gov Signs Landmark Bill Into Law
Politicians React To Oklahoma City Tornado
Godfather Of Slain Student Blames NY Police
NYU Researchers Gave Secrets To Chinese Competitors, Feds Say
NYPD To Boost Security In Gay-Friendly Neighborhoods
Wall Street Beating Families To Houses During Recovery
