Marcus Smart, Lakers
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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 received another key injury update ahead of their playoff push, this time involving veteran guard Marcus Smart.
After being ruled out with ankle soreness, Smart is now dealing with multiple issues, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Head coach JJ Redick provided further clarity on his status following the team’s recent stretch of games.
“Redick added that Marcus Smart is dealing with a right hip issue from the Orlando game as well as the right ankle from the collision with Goga Bitadze,” McMenamin wrote on X. “Redick said Smart is also day to day.”
Why Marcus Smart’s Injury Status Matters
The update adds another layer of concern for a Lakers team navigating injuries during a critical stretch of the season.
While not a primary scorer, Smart has become one of the Lakers’ most impactful two-way guards — particularly alongside the team’s core of Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
His absence removes a key defensive presence in the backcourt and a stabilizing playmaker capable of organizing the offense when possessions break down.
Marcus Smart’s Two-Way Impact Goes Beyond the Box Score
Smart’s value is reflected not just in his traditional numbers, but in his on-court impact.
He is averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals, while leading the Lakers in cumulative plus/minus at +238 — a strong indicator of his impact in winning lineups.
That influence shows up in several key areas:
Point-of-attack defense against elite guards
Switchability across multiple perimeter positions
Secondary playmaking alongside high-usage creators
Momentum plays such as steals, deflections and drawn charges
Those traits have helped anchor the Lakers’ perimeter defense during their recent winning streak.
Rui Hachimura MRI Returns Clean
Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers
GettyRui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers dodged serious injury.
Smart is not the only rotation piece currently being monitored.
Forward Rui Hachimura was also held out recently due to right calf soreness, though his MRI came back clean, and he has been labeled day to day as well.
The simultaneous absences highlight the delicate balance the Lakers must manage as they push toward the postseason — maintaining momentum while ensuring key contributors are fully healthy.
With both Smart and Hachimura sidelined, Los Angeles has had to lean more heavily on its depth, shifting responsibilities across both the backcourt and frontcourt rotations.
Lakers Lose Defensive Identity Piece Without Smart
If Hachimura’s absence affects spacing, Smart’s impacts the Lakers’ defensive identity.
Without him, Los Angeles loses one of its most reliable perimeter defenders — a player often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scoring guard. That responsibility now shifts to other backcourt options, increasing the defensive burden across the rotation.
It also places added pressure on Austin Reaves and secondary ball-handlers to balance offensive creation with defensive responsibilities.
In close games, Smart’s ability to disrupt rhythm and create extra possessions has been a defining factor — one that is difficult to replicate.
Outlook: Lakers Monitoring Smart Closely Ahead of Playoff Push
Despite dealing with multiple issues, Smart’s “day-to-day” designation suggests the Lakers do not view the injuries as long-term.
Still, with the postseason approaching, the team is expected to take a cautious approach.
If Smart returns at full strength, his defensive presence and ability to complement the Lakers’ Big 3 will remain a critical factor in their playoff outlook.