Lakers Receive Key Update on Marcus Smart’s Back Injury Status

The Los Angeles Lakers may soon get one of their most important defenders back.

Marcus Smart, who has missed the team’s last three games due to a back injury, remains without a firm return date — but the latest update from head coach JJ Redick signals optimism.

🩺 Updated Outlook on Smart’s Injury

Redick explained that Smart reported lower-back soreness, leading the team to hold him out as a precaution. Despite the discomfort, the Lakers’ medical staff found no structural issues in imaging tests.

“The imaging didn’t show anything abnormal — he looks like a normal 11-year NBA veteran. We expect him back soon. It’s not a long-term issue,”

Redick said after Monday night’s loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Smart continues to be evaluated day-to-day, and the coaching staff made it clear that he won’t play until he’s pain-free, regardless of what the scans show. Still, because nothing serious was detected, the internal expectation is that Smart will return in the near future.

🛡️ Why Smart Matters So Much to the Lakers’ Defense

Defense has been the Lakers’ weakest area this season, and Marcus Smart remains one of the roster’s most valuable stoppers, whether starting or coming off the bench.

Smart brings:

• Elite point-of-attack defense
• Strong physical presence in the lane
• High on-ball pressure
• Veteran awareness and anticipation

He has also been among L.A.’s leaders in defensive production, averaging nearly two steals per game. His best performance of the season so far featured seven steals in a single night, just one shy of his career-high of eight.

With turnovers and defensive lapses hurting the Lakers in recent outings, Smart’s eventual return could provide the stability they’ve lacked on that end of the floor.