Lakers G-F Ariza out eight weeks

Jan 21, 2008 - 7:58 PM EL SEGUNDO, California (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza will miss approximately eight weeks with a broken bone in his right foot, the team announced Monday.

Ariza suffered the injury in practice on Sunday. The swingman officially was diagnosed with a fractured fourth metatarsal after being examined Monday by foot specialist Dr. Ken Jung.

Acquired from Orlando in November, the 6-8 Ariza has become a key reserve for the Lakers, who like his versatility.

Ariza, 22, is averaging 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 24 games this season.

Just 1 1/2 games behind first-place Phoenix in the Pacific Division, the Lakers (26-12) already are without Andrew Bynum (knee) for at least seven weeks and fellow center Chris Mihm (ankle) for another week.

The Lakers did make a roster move Monday, signing center D.J. Mbenga to a 10-day contract. The 7-foot native of Congo has career averages of 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 95 games.