Trevor Ariza (back) will return to action Saturday against the Lakers, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Ariza (back) will return to action Saturday against the Lakers, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis:

After missing most of the last two games with a back issue, Ariza will give it a go Saturday and will likely be charged with covering Kobe Bryant to start the game. He was averaging 35-40 minutes in the games leading up to the injury, but Houston may ease him back into action.