The Los Angeles Lakers could have Marcus Smart back before the end of the regular season.
Head coach JJ Redick said Smart is “trending toward playing at some point this week,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, signaling progress as the veteran guard works back from injury.
Redick indicated the delay has not been caused by a setback, but rather a cautious approach after Smart had begun ramping up toward a return.
Smart Misses Eighth Straight Game Tuesday
Smart will miss his eighth consecutive game on Tuesday, but there is optimism he could return before the regular season concludes Sunday.
Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors begins a back-to-back set, making that timeline less likely. A return Friday against the Phoenix Suns remains a more realistic possibility.
The Lakers have only a few games remaining, leaving a limited window to reintegrate Smart into the rotation.
Marcus Smart’s Production This Season
Smart has averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, along with 1.4 steals, while shooting 39.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range this season.
He also leads the Lakers in plus/minus at +238 across 60 games, well ahead of Luka Dončić, who is next at +187 in 64 games.
His role has centered on perimeter defense and secondary playmaking.
If available, Smart would provide another option in the backcourt rotation as the Lakers close the regular season.
Lakers Slip in Standings as Injuries Mount
The Denver Nuggets (51-28) have moved ahead of the Lakers (50-28) for the No. 3 seed following Monday’s 137-132 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers now face the Oklahoma City Thunder shorthanded, with four starters unavailable: Smart, Dončić (hamstring), Austin Reaves (oblique) and LeBron James (left foot injury management).
Another loss would drop Los Angeles a full game behind Denver with only a handful of games remaining.
Lakers Adjusting Rotation With Multiple Starters Out
With several starters sidelined, the Lakers have relied more heavily on their bench to maintain continuity.
Jake LaRavia has averaged 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals over the last eight games, while Luke Kennard has added 9.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists over that span.
Kennard recorded his first career triple-double (15 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists) in the Lakers’ most recent loss in Dallas, reflecting a larger role in the offense.
The added production has helped stabilize the rotation, but the absence of Marcus Smart remains noticeable, particularly on the defensive end.
A return, even in a limited role, would give the coaching staff another option to manage matchups as the regular season winds down.
Lakers Shift Focus Away From Seeding
GettyLakers head coach JJ Redick is no longer focused on getting the No. 3 seed amid the mounting injuries.
With multiple injuries impacting the rotation, the Lakers are no longer prioritizing playoff positioning.
“Seeding is out the window,” Redick said, via McMenamin.
The comment marks a shift from earlier in the week, when the team was aiming to secure the No. 3 seed.
With Dončić and Reaves sidelined, the focus has shifted toward health and availability entering the postseason.
Smart’s Return Timeline Remains Flexible
For now, no firm return date has been set for Smart.
But the direction is clear — he is progressing, and the Lakers are aiming to have him available before the postseason begins.
Lakers Get Marcus Smart Injury Update as JJ Redick Outlines Return Timeline