Former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart will be available for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday after sitting out nine games with a right ankle contusion, according to Jovan Buha. The veteran guard’s return comes as the Lakers meet the Phoenix Suns in a contest that could affect Western Conference playoff positioning.
Lakers Injury Updates
Head coach JJ Redick told reporters Thursday that he spoke with Luka Doncic, who is rehabbing a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in Europe. Redick said Doncic is in “good spirits.” The coach also noted that guard Austin Reaves, sidelined by an oblique strain, has been around the team during his recovery.
Redick added that he addressed Tuesday’s on-court exchange with forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who was upset after being subbed out during a timeout. Redick described the follow-up conversation as “great.” Vanderbilt logged 26 minutes in Thursday’s win at Golden State after playing only five minutes on Tuesday.
Warriors Notes
Golden State will get Al Horford back on Friday in Sacramento. The 38-year-old center missed 14 games with a right calf (soleus) strain. Over 43 appearances this season, Horford has averaged 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 21.7 minutes. He holds a $5.97 million player option for 2026-27.
Meanwhile, a Brazilian film crew has been chronicling Gui Santos during his third NBA campaign. The forward, pressed into a larger role after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, said he watches each episode and looks forward to showing the footage to future grandchildren.
Durant’s First Game Back in Phoenix
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant faced the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday for the first time since last summer’s trade. The 37-year-old said he is “pretty much over” how his tenure with the Suns ended, acknowledging initial frustration but adding that “time heals all.” Durant finished with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists in Houston’s victory.
Source: Hoops Rumors
