The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to get a veteran guard back for their NBA Cup matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
After missing L.A.’s last six games with various back ailments, Marcus Smart said he expects to play against San Antonio.
Marcus Smart expects to play play in cup contest against Spurs
Smart, 31, last appeared in a game for the Lakers on Nov. 25.
“Back’s feeling good,” Smart said at L.A.’s practice on Tuesday. “Felt good in practice. We did some tests, passed the tests. We’re gonna give it a shot [on Wednesday], see how it feels. But right now, I’m playing. Hopefully, can continue to feel better with another day … and it stays that way. But as of right now, everything is good to go for me.”
Smart explained that his back issues, including strains and spasms, are just the residual result of wear and tear after over a decade in the league.
“More so, just wear and tear over the years,” Smart said. “Haven’t played … extensively and [heavily] the way that they wanted me to play here [in two years]. So just getting back into the groove of things is common. The staff here has been doing a great job of managing it to the best of our ability, but also making sure we’re not sitting out too long, not doing nothing to where it gets more tighter. But everything’s been feeling great.”
On the season, Smart has played in 16 games for the Lakers and posted averages of 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 26.8 minutes per performance. The Lakers went 4-2 over the six games that Smart missed, but they'll be happy to have him back for some added depth in the backcourt.
The Lakers, who won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023, have an opportunity to be the first team to win the event twice.