Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart said Thursday he plans to appear in at least one preseason game, even after an eventful training camp disrupted by Achilles tendinopathy and a recent bout of illness.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Smart told reporters following practice at the UCLA Health Training Center. The veteran guard, signed in free agency to bolster the club’s perimeter defense, has been on a carefully managed workload while the medical staff increases activity on his sore Achilles tendon. A stomach illness, which he linked to caring for his one-year-old child, further limited his on-court time this week.
Smart completed a full practice with no restrictions Thursday and described the session as a positive step. “We’re taking it day by day,” he said. “Achilles is nothing to play with, so we want to be cautious. But I plan to play during preseason; we just don’t know when.”
The Lakers’ next opportunity arrives Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors. Head coach JJ Redick noted Smart “looked awesome” in his return to practice, leaving open the possibility that the 31-year-old could suit up if he responds well over the coming days.
Beyond the physical challenges, Smart acknowledged a mental hurdle as he pushes to rejoin live action. “Sometimes you feel better than you actually are,” he said, adding that support from the team’s medical staff and his family has helped keep him optimistic.
Smart also reiterated that his role is secondary to winning. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he said, “I’m willing to do whatever is best for the team.”
Source: LakersNation.com
