The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with several injuries ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, which include guard Marcus Smart. The former Defensive Player of the Year gave a worrying update on his recovery from Achilles tendinopathy with less than two weeks before the start of the campaign.
Speaking to reporters after the Lakers’ practice on October 9, Smart had some good and bad news about his recovery. The ex-Boston Celtics star is dealing with a lot of issues outside of the injury, but he remains focused on getting cleared to play in the preseason.
“It’s been a roller coaster. It definitely has. But it’s part of the game. The staff is doing a great job of controlling what we can control with the tendinopathy, making sure we’re doing all the things to load it, to get it back used to the things that we’re doing and increasing intensity. The stomach stuff happens, sickness happens, especially when you’ve got a 1-year-old. So I’ve just been dealing with a lot,” Smart said.
Smart is still considered day-to-day, but he practiced fully on Thursday without any restrictions. That’s good news considering how hard the recovery was. There are still some precautions on the Lakers’ part, with the ultimate plan for the defensive guard to play at least one preseason contest.
The Lakers are back in action on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors, but he’s already been ruled out for the game, as per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
JJ Redick Liked What He Saw From Marcus Smart
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick also spoke to reporters after Thursday’s practice. Redick was happy with Marcus Smart’s performance, though he’s still taking precautionary measures with the 31-year-old guard. Smart is set to get more minutes early in the season due to LeBron James‘ sciatica diagnosis.
“Loved his energy. We had a lighter day in terms of intensity but still played some live, and guys got after it. His availability will depend on how he recovers from today and Saturday’s practice,” Redick said.
Smart signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Lakers this summer. It has a player option for the second season. The Lakers brought in Smart because of his defense, which should help Luka Doncic whenever they are together on the floor.
LeBron James Injury A Big Blow To Lakers
After missing the first two preseason games with a “glute” injury, the Los Angeles Lakers announced on Thursday that LeBron James was diagnosed with sciatica. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James has been ruled out for at least three to four weeks, which will cause him to miss the season’s opening week.
James is entering his historic 23rd season in the NBA, the most seasons played in league history. He’s turning 41 years old on December 30, so he’s got another season battling Father Time. He teased his retirement on October 7, but it turned out to be just an ad for an alcohol brand.
The Lakers will turn to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on offense, while Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia benefit from his absence. They are set to open the season on October 21 at home against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
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