EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart was given full clearance to practice on Tuesday and plans to suit up Wednesday when the Lakers host the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
“Back’s feeling good,” Smart said after the workout. “We did some tests, passed the tests. We’re going to give it a shot tomorrow.”
The 31-year-old has missed the past six games with what the team labeled a left lumbar muscle strain. In 20 appearances this season, the former Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals.
Los Angeles also prepared for the possible return of Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-5 center has been out for 11 games because of a left calf strain but is listed as questionable. He is posting 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per contest.
“It’s a game plan where the whole team has to guard him,” Lakers center Deandre Ayton said. “Just shut him down and make everything uncomfortable for him.”
When the teams met on Nov. 5, the Lakers edged San Antonio 118-116 while holding Wembanyama to 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting, eight rebounds and five turnovers before he fouled out.
Since that matchup, San Antonio has welcomed back former All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, who is averaging 24.3 points and 6.5 assists over the Spurs’ 10-5 run in the last 15 games.
“He is one of the best guards in the league,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “You have to do a good job containing drives, and it’s not just him. They have good movers all over the floor.”
Los Angeles went 4-0 in group play. Wednesday’s contest is single elimination: the winner advances to Saturday’s semifinals in Las Vegas and remains eligible for the $530,000 per-player prize in the title game; the loser receives $53,000 per player and is out of the tournament.
“Fans get to see a different part of the NBA, like a March Madness vibe,” Ayton said. “Seeing where we are in the season, why not us?”
Source: ESPN
