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11. Dezember 2025
Season-high 26 points in return
Smart (back) contributed 26 points (9-16 FG, 8-14 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one block across 28 minutes during Wednesday's 132-119 loss to the Spurs.
Analyse
After missing the past six games due to a left lumbar muscle strain, Smart made a splash in his return, landing eight triples en route to a season-high scoring haul. While Smart's stellar outing was encouraging, he's a career 32.4 percent shooter from downtown who is unlikely to have many eight-triple games left in him. Smart can still provide some value as a streaming option for three-pointers, steals and assists, though his opportunity to play big minutes will be contingent on the availability of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
10. Dezember 2025
Off report for Wednesday
Smart (back) isn't listed on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Spurs.
Analyse
Smart will make his return for the NBA Cup matchup following a six-game absence due to a back injury. With the veteran guard back in action, Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia could see their roles on the second unit decrease. Smart has averaged 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.1 triples in 26.8 minutes per contest over 14 games this season.
9. Dezember 2025
Expected to play vs. Spurs
Smart (back) intends to play in Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Analyse
Head coach JJ Redick said Sunday that the Lakers were targeting Wednesday for Smart's return from a six-game absence due to a back injury, and the veteran guard plans to "give it a go" against San Antonio. His status likely won't be confirmed until sometime closer to Wednesday's tipoff at 10:00 p.m. ET, though. Smart has averaged 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 26.8 minutes per night over 14 games this season.
7. Dezember 2025
Targeting Wednesday for return
Head coach JJ Redick noted that while Smart (back) remains day-to-day, the team hopes to have him back for Wednesday's game against the Spurs, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analyse
Smart will miss his sixth straight game Sunday due to a left lumbar muscle strain, but he seems to be trending towards a return. Gabe Vincent, Nick Smith and Dalton Knecht are candidates for increased roles as long as Smart remains out of the lineup.
6. Dezember 2025
Remaining out vs. Philadelphia
Smart (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 76ers, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analyse
Smart will miss his sixth consecutive contest due to a left lumbar muscle strain, and he can be considered highly questionable for Wednesday's game against the Spurs. With the veteran guard sidelined, Gabe Vincent, Nick Smith and Dalton Knecht are candidates for increased playing time.
5. Dezember 2025
Still sidelined
Smart (back) won't play in Friday's game against the Celtics, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
Analyse
It's Smart's fifth consecutive absence due to a left lumbar muscle strain. His absence means Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht and Nick Smith could see expanded roles, especially with Luka Doncic (personal) and LeBron James (rest) unavailable. Smart's next chance to play will come Sunday against Philadelphia.
