LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Versatile Los Angeles Lakers reserve swingman Trevor Ariza will miss the next two months of the National Basketball Association season with a broken right foot, the team announced Monday.
Ariza, 22, was obtained from Orlando last November. He suffered the broken fourth metatarsal bone in practice on Sunday. The injury was diagnosed Monday by foot specialist Ken Jung.
Replacing him on the active roster was center D.J. Mbenga, a 7-footer from Congo who signed a 10-day contract. He has averaged 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in relief roles over 95 NBA games.
Ariza, averaging 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds this season, joins an injured list for the Lakers that includes centers Andrew Bynum, out at least seven weeks with a knee injury, and Chris Mihm, who has a sore ankle.
The Lakers, 26-12, are 1 1/2 games behind pace-setter Phoenix in the Pacific division.
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