Marcus Smart has returned from a nine-game absence due to an ankle injury. His comeback comes at a critical time for the Los Angeles Lakers.
As of midday, Smart recorded 17 total assists in his first two games back. He averaged 8.5 assists, 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals during this span.
Smart leads the Lakers with a remarkable +256 plus-minus across 62 games this season. This statistic highlights his impact on the court.
The Lakers concluded the regular season with a strong record of 53-29. However, they will enter the playoffs missing their two leading scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Smart is expected to fill the playmaking void left by these injuries. “That’s a big reason we wanted to bring Smart here, not just for his defense,” said coach JJ Redick.
In their final regular season game against the Utah Jazz, Smart showcased his skills with ten assists. His experience—over 100 postseason games—will be invaluable as the team faces the Houston Rockets in the first round.
Despite recent struggles, including three consecutive losses before the end of the regular season, Smart remains optimistic. “All season, people have counted us out… and that’s us,” he stated.
Details remain unconfirmed about how well he will adapt to increased responsibilities in the playoffs. But his veteran leadership is already making waves within the team.
