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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts after his team is called for a foul against the Detroit Pistons at Crypto.com Arena on December 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Chicago Bulls in California.
They are coming off a strong 120-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Marcus Smart finished with eight points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals while shooting 3/7 from the field and 1/4 from three-point range in 31 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Key Player Could Miss Game
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
For Thursday’s game, the Lakers have announced that they will likely be without Smart.
He is listed as doubtful due to a hip issue.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Marcus Smart (hip) doubtful for Thursday.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Smart is in his first season playing for the Lakers.
The former Oklahoma State star is averaging 9.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 39.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range in 55 games.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers complains to a referee during action against the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images)
Marcus Smart Before The Lakers
Smart was the sixth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
He has also spent time playing for the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards over 12 seasons.
His career averages are 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 38.9% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range in 690 games.
Even though Smart is no longer the player he once was when he won the 2022 Defensive Player of The Year Award, he is still an important veteran for the Lakers heading into the postseason.
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 25, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Lakers Ahead Of Bulls Clash
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 6: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)