Two Independent Doctors Clear Ariza, Lakers Next?
By: Eric Pincus Last Updated: 5/12/08 8:58 PM ET
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8659
HOOPSWORLD has learned that Trevor Ariza of the Los Angeles Lakers has
been
cleared by a second independent doctor. Sidelined for months with a
broken
foot, Ariza has now sought out two additional opinions hoping to get back
on the floor to help the team in its ongoing playoff run.
The Lakers' physician has been conservative as Ariza's CT Scan still shows
a line on the bone which is normally interpreted as an unhealed fracture.
Ariza recently saw a doctor in Utah who postulated that the bone has
indeed
healed and that the line may never fully disappear.
The recent third opinion concurred which sends the ultimate decision to
the
Lakers who are inherently conservative when it comes to long term health
of
their players. To date they haven't been willing to put Ariza in harm's
way, even for the ongoing playoff push.
At this point it's not clear what the team will do with the additional
medical opinion. From Ariza's perspective, he's good to go and feels no
discomfort or limitation of any kind.
One thing to note is that opinions from even the most highly respected
doctors are subjective. If they prove to be incorrect, Ariza could have
some serious long-term implications.
The final decision from Laker management should be made in the coming
days.
More as it develops . . .
