The Los Angeles Lakers will welcome back Marcus Smart on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns, providing a needed boost to a shorthanded lineup.
Smart (ankle) is off the injury report and has been cleared to play after missing nine consecutive games with a bruised right ankle. He sustained the injury during a 105-104 win over the Orlando Magic on March 21, when center Goga Bitadze fell on his leg.
His return comes at a critical moment for Los Angeles, which remains without key guards Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić due to injuries.
Smart Expected to Reclaim Starting Role
Smart is expected to step back into the starting lineup immediately.
The veteran guard is expected to replace Rui Hachimura in the opening unit, though both players should continue to see meaningful minutes given the Lakers’ current roster situation.
His return restores a key defensive presence for Los Angeles, particularly on the perimeter.
Smart’s Impact Extends Beyond the Box Score
Smart has averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game this season, along with 1.4 steals, while shooting 39.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range.
His overall impact has been reflected in team performance.
Smart leads the Lakers in plus/minus at +238 across 60 games, ahead of Dončić at +187 in 64 games, underscoring his value on both ends of the floor.
Lakers Continue to Navigate Injury Challenges
The Lakers have been dealing with multiple injuries during a crucial stretch.
Reaves is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with an oblique strain, while Dončić has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Those absences have forced adjustments across the rotation, increasing the importance of Smart’s return as the team looks to stabilize.
Supporting Cast Steps Up During Absence
Several players have taken on expanded roles while Smart was sidelined.
Luke Kennard has averaged 9.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds over his last nine games, providing additional playmaking and spacing.
Jake LaRavia has also contributed, averaging 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals across nine games, helping fill gaps on both ends of the floor.
Those contributions have helped the Lakers remain competitive despite multiple absences.
LeBron Plays Back-to-Back
GettyLeBron James reacts during the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Golden State Warriors, as he remains available on a back-to-back ahead of a key matchup vs the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers will also have LeBron James available on the second night of a back-to-back on Friday against the Suns, a notable decision as the team continues its push for playoff positioning.
James is coming off another dominant performance in Thursday’s 119-103 win over the Golden State Warriors.
He finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists in 32 minutes, leading the Lakers in all three categories. The performance helped Los Angeles secure its first win since losing Dončić and Reaves to injury.
Playoff Positioning Adds Urgency
Los Angeles enters Friday’s game in a tightly contested Western Conference race.
The Lakers trail the Denver Nuggets by one game for the No. 3 seed, with only two games remaining in the regular season. They are also currently tied with the Houston Rockets for the No. 4 seed, which carries homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
That positioning adds urgency to every decision, including reintegrating Smart into the lineup as quickly as possible.
With little margin for error, the Lakers are balancing health, rotation stability and the need to secure favorable seeding heading into the postseason.
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