Das boot

Trevor Ariza was on the practice court Wednesday, trying to work on his shot while wearing a protective boot on his right foot as he tries to recover from a broken bone.

Phil Jackson was asked if he expects Ariza to be able to return to his role as a key contributor off the bench.

``I can’t guess on that,'' said Jackson, who expects him to return by April. ``We’re really hopeful that he will. With Trevor, his injury is such that when he does come back, it’s probably a matter of days to coming back and playing full bore. His process is a healing position. Once it’s healed, everything should go forward from there. His condition. He’s shooting. Still trying to keep himself in position where he can come out and play. He’ll have an opportunity to get in a rhythm.''