Marcus Smart was held out of Lakers practices and games with a recent Achilles issue, but he’s back on the court. Los Angeles coach JJ Redick said Smart went through most of Tuesday’s practice, including some live play, meaning Smart should make his Lakers debut sometime soon. The Lakers have played two preseason games already, though they still have four more scheduled ahead of the regular season.
“You still feel that pressure, the intensity that he brings on the defensive end,” Austin Reaves said about Smart, per Lakers Nation. “That’s going to be big for us. We need that. We need him to be the best version of himself with that communication that he brings, especially defensively. He’s been in the league for a while. He knows how to win at the highest level. So very excited to have him.”
Smart signed a two-year contract with the Lakers in hopes he can rebuild his image while competing in the playoffs. While Smart has shown he can be a major contributor in the league, earning the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year award, he’s been away from the spotlight for the past two seasons.
Injuries have slowed down Smart significantly the past two years with the Grizzlies then Wizards. While Memphis hoped he could be the veteran leader for a young, talented team, that vision never came to fruition. Smart has played in just 54 games the past two seasons while missing the playoffs.
Now, Smart suits up for the Celtics’ rival in the Lakers as he’ll be back in the national spotlight. He’ll look to prove he can still be a contributor while the Lakers get a much-needed stout defender in Smart. The Lakers and Smart visit Boston for the lone time in the regular season Dec. 5.
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