Forward Trevor Ariza returned to practice for the Lakers on Monday for the first time in four months, according to The Los Angeles Daily News.

He broke his foot back in January, but could be on the court seeing game action within the next week.

Known for his defense, coach Phil Jackson plans to use him in that capacity and as competition for starter Vladimir Radmanovic.  

"Vlade has not played well in the last two games, and we need somebody to step into that position and that's the position he (Ariza) plays," Jackson said.

"I'm not holding it out as an opportunity for him (Ariza) to step right into it, but we like Luke (Walton) in the role that he's at, coming off the bench and giving us some input and finishing games for us, so we'll see if Vlade can't right his game here."