Jan 21, 2008 10:47 am US/Pacific
Trevor Ariza Out 8 Weeks With Broken Foot
EL SEGUNDO (AP) ―
Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza will be out about eight weeks because of a broken right foot, joining center Andrew Bynum on the sidelines.
The Lakers signed free-agent center DJ Mbenga to a 10-day contract Monday. The 7-footer from the Congo was released by Golden State on Jan. 6.
Ariza fractured a bone in his foot at practice Sunday, and was examined Monday by foot specialist Dr. Ken Jung, who set the timeline for his return. Ariza has averaged 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 24 games since being acquired from Orlando on Nov. 20 for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans.
Bynum injured his left kneecap Jan. 13 against Memphis and isn't expected to return before the middle of March. The Lakers also have been playing without center Chris Mihm (sore right Achilles' tendon) and forward Vladimir Radmanovic (sprained right ankle). The Lakers hope both will be back in the next few weeks.
Mbenga was averaging 1.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.63 blocked shots and 8.1 minutes in 16 games with the Warriors. He spent three seasons with Dallas before being waived Oct. 30. He was limited to 21 games last season because of a left foot tendon strain and a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.
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