Lakers Rule Out Key Guard Ahead of Bucks Matchup

Nov 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts with guard Marcus Smart (36) after scoring against the Miami Heat during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The banged-up Los Angeles Lakers just lost another soldier heading into what could be a tough clash against a rising Milwaukee Bucks club.

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Per Dan Woike of The Athletic, three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart due to what's being called a viral illness.

LAKERS STATUS UPDATE

Marcus Smart (viral illness) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game at Milwaukee.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) November 15, 2025

Smart isn't the only critical absence afflicting Los Angeles.

According to the latest NBA injury report, starting forwards LeBron James (right side sciatica) and Rui Hachimura (left calf soreness), and reserve point guard Gabe Vincent (sprained left ankle) will all be joining smart on the sidelines.

Milwaukee's Absences

On the Bucks side, Milwaukee will be without at least a pair of important contributors.

Starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. is on the mend from a right knee meniscus surgery, although his replacement Ryan Rollins has performed capably in his absence. 3-and-D reserve swingman Taurean Prince is out indefinitely following surgery to treat a herniated disc in his neck.

The Bucks' best player, nine-time All-NBA superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, is considered probable to play through a left knee patellar tendinopathy.

It would make some sense for Milwaukee to rest the two-time league MVP. The 6-foot-11 superstar big man logged 40:23 of action in the Bucks' 147-134 overtime Emirates NBA Cup victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, and is now on the cusp of playing the second night of a back-to-back slate.

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The 6-foot-11 superstar scored 25 points on 12-of-18 shooting from the field and 1-of-3 shooting from the charity stripe, a whopping 18 assists, seven rebounds, two steals and a block.

Bucks two-way players Alex Antetokounmpo and Pete Nance are with Milwaukee's G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.

On Friday night, ex-Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, recently promoted by head coach Doc Rivers to a starting role, enjoyed his best game of the season. He scored a game-high 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the floor (2-of-4 from distance) and 5-of-7 shooting from the foul line, pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out five dimes, swiped four steals, and blocked a shot.

Los Angeles is likely hoping Kuzma doesn't have enough juice for an encore performance.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.