Marcus Smart to Miss Sixth Straight Game, Will Sit Out Lakers’ Showdown With Thunder
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The Los Angeles Lakers have ruled guard Marcus Smart out for Thursday’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of a right ankle contusion, according to the club’s official injury report.
Smart has already missed the past five contests with the same injury. Head coach JJ Redick has described the issue as day-to-day but said the team will keep the veteran sidelined until he is fully recovered, noting that the playoffs are approaching.
Without Smart, Los Angeles has inserted Jake LaRavia into the starting lineup to handle point-of-attack defensive duties. Off the bench, rookie Bronny James has also seen rotation minutes and could continue in that role at Oklahoma City.
Redick on Doncic’s MVP Case
With the regular season winding down, Redick weighed in on the league’s Most Valuable Player race. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama are considered front-runners, Redick said Luka Doncic would deserve the award if the Lakers close the season strongly.
“I would just say that if we continue to finish the season the way we’re playing right now, and he continues to play that way — to me, he is the MVP,” Redick said. He added that Doncic “has been the MVP for two of the three segments of the season,” pointing to the Lakers’ 15-4 start and their performance since Jan. 18, when the team’s record in total wins is tied for second in the league.
Los Angeles, the defending NBA champion, enters Thursday’s game against the league-leading Thunder still managing several injuries but confident in its top nine players when healthy, according to Redick.
Source: LakersNation.com
