Since his 2021 debut for New Zealand under former boss Ian Foster, the highly regarded 24-year-old has had a rough run with injuries, including a succession of knee problems that have stalled his momentum.
The last issue was a torn meniscus discovered after playing against the ACT Brumbies in the third round of Super Rugby Pacific, though the injury did not require surgery.
The setbacks have been a challenge for Lord and a disappointment for Chiefs staff and fans, but the seven-test lock is not dropping his head.
"You've got to stay positive. You can't dwell on it too long," he told the New Zealand Herald.
"Being injured quite a bit, you learn from experience; you can’t let it get you down and, obviously, there are always lights at the end of the tunnel, which I was lucky enough to play on the weekend."
A fit and firing Lord is a big boost for Clayton McMillan's Chiefs, who top the table ahead of a big away match against the Wellington Hurricanes with five rounds before the playoffs.
Level on points with the second-placed Canterbury Crusaders, the Chiefs will hope for maximum points to keep the rampaging South Island team at bay.
Lord will also hope to remind All Blacks selectors he can be a force in the lead up to the July tests against France, having managed three appearances off the bench in coach Scott Robertson's first season in charge last year.
"I think it’s always at the back of the mind, to put your hand up for national honours later on, right?" he said.
"For me at the moment, it’s just been about staying healthy, getting on to the field and playing consistent footy for the Chiefs.
"If I do that, I feel like I put myself in good stead for the future higher honours maybe, but I’ll just take it week by week from now."