Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart addressed the back issue that has kept him sidelined, citing long-term wear and tear and the need for patience as he works toward returning to full strength.
The Lakers have dealt with injuries throughout the early stretch of the season and have been without Smart for the past two weeks. The guard provided an update offering clarity and a realistic assessment of his physical ramp‑up, and with the Lakers’ next game a pivotal one, the news is encouraging for their fans.
Marcus Smart Discusses Lingering Back Injury Ahead of Lakers Return
Smart responded to a question about how the injury happened and described his recovery process. He explained the injury as stemming from cumulative stress, noting that he has not played heavy, extended minutes in nearly two seasons. He emphasized that adjusting to the Lakers’ workload has contributed to the soreness and spasms he has experienced.
“Just back spasms. Just wear and tear over the years,” Smart said (per Lakers Nation’s Daniel Starkand). “I haven’t played in two years extensively and heavy the way that they wanted me to play here. So just kind of getting back into the rhythm and everything.”
Marcus Smart on how his back injury occurred and the process of getting back on the court:
“Just back spasms. Just wear and tear over the years. I haven’t played in two years extensively and heavy the way that they wanted me to play here. So just kind of getting back into the… https://t.co/zQ4jM4lJn5
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) December 9, 2025
Smart also indicated that while he has made steady progress over the past several weeks, he and the medical staff are prioritizing long-term durability over short-term returns, a framing consistent with the Lakers’ cautious approach to injuries this season.
In Smart’s absence, the Lakers have relied on backcourt combinations to maintain defensive pressure and ball-handling, underscoring his unique contributions in guarding multiple positions and setting the team’s physical tone when healthy.
The Lakers need Marcus Smart’s defense, as they rank in the bottom 10 in defensive rating over their last 10 games. However, their high‑powered offense, led by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, has propelled them to the No. 4 offensive rating during that span.
Smart is officially off the Lakers’ injury report and available to play against the San Antonio Spurs in their NBA Cup quarterfinal game on Wednesday. In 14 appearances for the Lakers this season, Smart has averaged 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds.
