Ariza (ankle) took part in a scrimmage Monday, but coach Frank Vogel said the veteran is still "a ways away" from returning to game action, Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Vogel downplayed Ariza's return to live action, this is still a significant step in the right direction for the veteran wing, who's yet to play this season after undergoing ankle surgery in early October. The Lakers plan to bring the 36-year-old along slowly, but if he continues to progress and build strength in the ankle, he could be back sometime in in early-to-mid January.