HOOPSWORLD has learned that Trevor Ariza of the Los Angeles Lakers was given partial clearance to the floor from his broken foot.  A source close to the situation says a CT Scan on Friday showed enough improvement that Ariza has been green lit to participate in basketball drills and non-contact practices.

A follow-up scan in two weeks will determine if Ariza is ready for a full return.

While Ariza would obviously have preferred to be cleared completely after today's examination, it may have taken at least a week for the Laker forward to return to the lineup.

Assuming he gets a clean scan (around May 9th), he could be able to get back on the court in a matter of days.

Of course that assumes the Lakers are able to win two of the next four (potential) games with the Denver Nuggets and advance to the second round.  The schedule won't be set until both first-round series are completed (Utah Jazz/Houston Rockets).

While Ariza won't be able to play against the Nuggets, there is a good chance he will be available at some point in for Round Two.

The Lakers have yet to release a statement on Ariza's status.