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Marcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers dives for the loose ball during an NBA Cup game.
The Los Angeles Lakers could receive an important defensive boost ahead of their upcoming matchup with the Denver Nuggets after head coach JJ Redick provided an encouraging update on veteran guard Marcus Smart.
Smart sat out Thursday’s game against the Chicago Bulls due to a lingering hip issue, but Redick suggested the absence may be brief as the Lakers manage a demanding stretch of games and travel.
“Smart has been kind of dealing with this hip for a couple games now,” Redick said during his pregame media availability. “He wants to play, but really we just needed to calm it down.”
Redick explained the decision to sit Smart was largely precautionary as Los Angeles works through one of the most challenging segments of its schedule.
“We’ve got a really tough stretch,” Redick said. “We’re in the midst of a really tough stretch and some travel coming up.”
Despite missing Thursday’s contest, the Lakers remain optimistic the veteran guard could return quickly.
“We expect him day to day, and we expect that he’ll hopefully be back on Saturday against Denver.”
Smart Emerging as Key Starter
Smart’s potential return would be significant for a Lakers team that has increasingly relied on his defensive presence and leadership in the starting lineup.
Before Thursday’s injury absence, the former Defensive Player of the Year appeared to be firmly entrenched as a starter for Los Angeles.
Smart contributed eight points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals in 31 minutes during Tuesday’s 120–106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He shot 3-of-7 from the field, including 1-of-4 from three-point range, while finishing plus-14 in the win.
Over his last six games, Smart has averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 29.4 minutes per game while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc and knocking down two three-pointers per contest.
Those numbers highlight the steady two-way impact Smart has provided since settling into his role in the Lakers’ rotation.
His perimeter defense, playmaking and improved outside shooting have helped stabilize a backcourt that already features offensive standouts Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Lakers Building Momentum Ahead of Nuggets Clash
Even without Smart on Thursday, the Lakers continued their recent surge.
Los Angeles defeated Chicago 142–130 behind a sensational performance from Dončić, who erupted for 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
“It feels special,” Dončić said after the game. “Obviously, to have a 50-point game in here, it feels very special.”
LeBron James also returned after missing three games with a right hip contusion and lingering left foot soreness. The 41-year-old finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Reaves added 30 points while Deandre Ayton recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds for his 20th double-double of the season.
The victory extended Los Angeles’ winning streak to four games and pushed the Lakers ahead of the idle Houston Rockets into third place in the Western Conference standings.
With momentum building and a matchup against Denver looming, the Lakers will closely monitor Smart’s recovery as they prepare for another crucial test in the Western Conference race.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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