Ariza, who already knows what it takes to succeed with the purple and gold; was ruled out for the start of the season with an ankle injury. And, even though he hasn’t been the same player over the past couple of years, his 3-and-D expertise could come pretty handily for them.

That’s why the former Houston Rockets swingman recently opened up on his rehabilitation and imminent comeback, and how he feels like his presence can solve many of the issues on his team.

Lakers News: Trevor Ariza Discusses Injury And His Impact On The Team

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Ariza toldSilver Screen and Roll when asked about the injury. “There are so many things that we can do with a full roster, but again, it’s God’s time. Whenever He decides to allow my body to heal the way that it needs to heal for me to be able to perform at the highest level, I’ll be able to help our team.”

“I bring a completely different element to this team, so hopefully when I am able to participate, and Kendrick [Nunn] is able to come back and play — who gives us another different element to this team — the things that we do, the little things that we do can kind of put our team together,” the 36-year-old added.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been like a piece that you can just plug-in and do a bunch of different things and make a difference, so whenever I get on the court that’s what I’m looking to do,” Ariza concluded.

There were several doubts regarding the Lakers’ ability to compete and keep up with the rest of the Western Conference due to their roster’s age, and so far, they’ve done nothing to prove their doubters wrong. Maybe, Ariza will give them the defensive boost they need.

Ahead of their trip to Sacramento, the Lakers sit seventh in the Western Conference standings with an 11-11 record. Needless to say, that’s not even close to where they expected to be at this point of the season.

Lakerscoach Frank Vogel is aware of his team’sslow start to the campaign and the work that needs to be done in order to get back on track. However, he believes the Lakers true identity could be “unlocked” soon.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel sees Trevor Ariza as key for team’s improvement

The Lakers were pretty busy in the offseason.Russell Westbrook was seen as their top signing, yet he’s fallen short of expectations so far. But, according to Frank Vogel, his team could find the answer in one of the veterans who returned to LA this summer.

Trevor Ariza is eyeing his returnto action after undergoing an ankle surgery in training campand Vogel is looking forward to it.“I don’t think we’re putting a timetable on it, but he’s getting closer,” Vogel said about Ariza’s status followingMonday practice, as quoted by Clutchpoints.

And he went further by emphasizing on the impact he could have on the team. “We feel like he’s going to be a real key to unlocking this team’s identity,” Vogel continued. “From both the ability to be able to play (Anthony Davis) at the 5 more and have him guard the other team’s best 3/4 and Bron plays off of that. It’s just something we’ve not had, in terms of how this year’s roster was put together. He’s a big piece of it.”

Trevor Ariza speaks up on feeling pressure before NBA return

The Lakers big man is certainly not enjoying to be missing the first games of theseason. However, returning to action in a moment when his team is desperate for his help could come like a burden. But not for him.

“I feel like pressure is like a state of mind,” Ariza said, via SB Nation’s Silver Screen and Roll. “I’m just excited to get back on the court when I’m ready to get back on the court. Pressure would be if I’m not prepared. And I feel like I’m prepared for when that time comes. I’m in the gym making sure that I’m strong enough to participate at this level, healthy enough and the work that I put in on the court, I’m gonna do that so I don’t feel no pressure.”

The first big news from thefree agency wasChris Paul reaching an agreement to stay for four years at the Phoenix Suns in a deal that could go up to $120 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, and the Los Angeles Lakers bringing back three players.

Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, and Dwight Howardwill be once again wearing the purple and gold next season and have joined Russell Westbrook as the latest four additions to the Lakers. The Athletic’s Shams Charania has also reported that Kyle Lowry will join the Miami Heat in an evening full of news as the NBA free agency market is on.

Fans react to CP3’s new deal with the Suns, the Lakers’ reunion, and more

Needless to say, the social media timeline was full of constant updates regarding the free agency movesas the first hours were full of shocking movements. But fans have also shared their thoughts and funny memes reacting to everything that was going on.

As we’ve mentioned before, Chris Paul’simpressive deal with the Suns stole most of the memes but so did the three veterans’return to the Lakers. Let’s take a look at some of them.

The busiest time of the NBA has begun and it has already broughtus plenty of stunning moves– andfor moments more information than one can keepup with. Butthiswill continue and fans will probably keep on reacting with more memes as the free agencyis just getting started.