Lakers Guard Returns To Practice After Missing Time With Injury

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart made a return to practice on Tuesday after dealing with an Achilles injury.

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Smart participated in most of practice.

Marcus Smart participated in the live play portions of practice today, per JJ Redick.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 7, 2025

Smart missed the first two preseason games of the purple and gold. He was ruled out last week, a day before their first preseason contest against the Phoenix Suns.

The Lakers hope the 31-year-old veteran guard will be healthy enough to play this week when they take on the Golden State Warriors on Sunday for their third preseason game.

There is no indication of when he will come back, but the fact that he is back on the court is a positive sign.

The Lakers loved to finally have their new guard out on the court, including Austin Reaves. After practice, Reaves shared his first impressions of Smart on the court.

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“The main thing is his communication and leadership … his attention to detail, how he can be a coach on the floor at times," said Reaves.

Austin Reaves on Smart: “The main thing is his communication and leadership … his attention to detail, how he can be a coach on the floor at times.”

Reaves said Smart guarded him some in practice today: “You feel the pressure and intensity he brings on the defensive end.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2025

Smart signed with the Lakers this past offseason after being bought out by the Washington Wizards. He agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with a player option after this season.

The Lakers were looking for a player like Smart this season, and they hope he pans out. The primary reason LA wanted to sign Smart was because of his defensive presence and ability.

He should be able to improve the team's premier defender, a necessity from a team that struggled in that department last season, particularly in the playoffs.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick loved what he saw from Smart in practice.

“It was great to see him out there," said Redick.

“He was awesome.”

Asked how Smart looked, Redick followed up: “He was awesome.” https://t.co/fjSMm7IYw5
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 7, 2025

The Lakers' starting lineup has yet to be revealed, as Smart is competing for one of the two spots. The 11-year veteran guard has started a little over half of his games in the league.

Last season, Smart started in seven games out of the 29 he played as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Wizards. The most games he has started in a season are 71, with the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 season.

Smart will play a pivotal role with the Lakers this season.

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