INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during play against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during play against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Lakers will remain without a key piece of their rotation Friday night.
Guard Marcus Smart has been ruled out for a third consecutive game due to a right ankle contusion as the Lakers prepare to host the Brooklyn Nets.
Smart sustained the injury during Saturday’s 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic, when Orlando center Goga Bitadze fell on his leg.
“And then Smart, when Goga fell on his leg, he got like a bruised ankle,” head coach JJ Redick said. “He’s probably in the same boat day to day.”
Redick Emphasizes Smart’s Importance
Smart’s absence was felt most in Monday’s 113-110 loss to the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, where the Lakers struggled to close out the game.
“Not having Smart tonight killed us,” Redick said on Spectrum SportsNet. “That’s important for us, that we can get healthy and we can play our rotation.”
Redick pointed to Smart’s role as a connector within the lineup, particularly following the team’s roster reshuffling earlier this season.
“You need Smart for his ballhandling, you need Smart for his defense, you need Rui for his shooting,” Redick added. “Those pieces are important to complement everybody… we need to finish the season strong, but we also need to finish the season healthy.”
Lakers Respond Without Smart
Los Angeles bounced back Wednesday with a 137-130 win over the Indiana Pacers to close out a 5-1 road trip.
In Smart’s absence, Jake LaRavia stepped into the starting lineup and delivered an efficient performance, finishing with six points on 3-of-3 shooting, along with five rebounds, a game-high four steals, one assist and one block in 29 minutes.
The Lakers have now split their last two games without Smart, underscoring both their depth and the impact of his absence on both ends of the floor.
Veteran Presence Extends Beyond the Box Score
Smart has emerged as a key voice in the locker room since joining the Lakers, bringing leadership to a roster built around LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
“LeBron and Luka don’t really talk as much, they’re locked in,” Smart said in a February appearance on NBA Take-Two Media’s “Grilled” show. “Deandre Ayton’s my guy… so I regulate that and make sure everyone else is good.”
A former Defensive Player of the Year, Smart’s defensive toughness, grit and leadership have become indispensable in the Lakers locker room.
Through 60 games this season, Smart is averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals while leading the Lakers with a +238 plus-minus.
His presence has helped stabilize a rotation that includes offensively focused players such as Doncic and Austin Reaves, giving the team a defensive edge.
Playoff Positioning Remains Strong
Despite the injury, the Lakers remain firmly in the playoff picture.
At 47-26, Los Angeles holds the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and is trending toward a second consecutive 50-win season.
With a favorable stretch ahead — including upcoming games against eliminated teams — maintaining health across the roster remains a priority as the postseason approaches.
Smart’s status will continue to be monitored on a day-to-day basis, with the Lakers aiming to have their full rotation intact for the final push.