Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart was back on the court Tuesday, taking part in nearly the entire practice session after sitting out the team’s first two preseason games with Achilles tendinopathy.
Head coach JJ Redick said the 31-year-old guard handled live drills and maintained a high tempo throughout. “He was awesome,” Redick told reporters. “Given today’s workload, I was impressed he sustained that level of intensity for as long as he did.”
Teammate Austin Reaves highlighted Smart’s vocal presence. “His communication, his leadership—the way he talks while he’s out there, even if he’s not at 100 percent—stands out,” Reaves said. “He can be a coach on the floor at times, and that’s really big for us.”
The Lakers acquired Smart in the offseason to bolster perimeter defense and add veteran guidance after struggling in both areas last year. With several recent injuries on his résumé, the club opted for caution when Achilles soreness surfaced at the start of training camp.
Los Angeles does not play its next preseason game until Sunday, giving Smart additional recovery time before Opening Night. Redick has yet to finalize a starting lineup, but Smart indicated on media day that his role—starter or reserve—doesn’t concern him. “I’m here to win, however that means,” he said. “Whether I start or come off the bench, my presence will be felt.”
Source: Lakers Nation
