While he was widely viewed as a throw-in for the Los Angeles Lakers in their trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Luke Walton all raved about what Channing Frye would bring to the team.
But Frye’s tenure with the Lakers was halted before it could even take off. Last weekend the team announced Frye underwent an appendectomy, and was scheduled to remain in Cleveland for the All-Star break.
The 12-year veteran was due to be re-evaluated after one week and then return to Los Angeles. The Lakers announced Thursday he has not yet been cleared to travel, and therefore won’t be joining the team on their four-game road trip.
Beginning with a home contest Friday against the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers play five games in nine days. Their road trip concludes in San Antonio on Saturday, March 3.
Frye has appeared in just one game for the Lakers, playing 11 minutes in a blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Walton, Frye’s former collegiate teammate, is hopeful the veteran can mentor the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle, along with providing leadership to the rest of the young core as well.
Although he began the season with a Cavaliers team that has championship aspirations and now finds himself on one still rebuilding, Frye has said he’s energized by the opportunity to play for the Lakers and pass on his knowledge.
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