LOS ANGELES — Guard Marcus Smart made his first appearance in nine games on Friday night, helping the Los Angeles Lakers limit the Phoenix Suns to 73 points in a 94-73 victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Smart, sidelined since March 26 with a right ankle contusion, came off the bench for 18 minutes. He finished with six points, five rebounds and seven assists while anchoring the Lakers’ perimeter defense.
‘Pretty Stressful’ Stretch Ends
After the game, the 30-year-old described the frustration of watching from the sideline during a crucial stretch of the season.
“It’s been pretty stressful, honestly,” Smart said. “Seeing my guys out there and not being able to help, especially with us being down bodies, was tough. But the organization never rushed me. The training staff and I did everything possible day in and day out to expedite the recovery without risking a setback. Today it felt great, so I should be back out there again on Sunday.”
Lakers Still Missing Top Scorers
Los Angeles remains without leading scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both recovering from injuries. Head coach JJ Redick noted earlier in the week that several Western Conference teams are monitoring the Lakers’ health as playoff matchups take shape.
With one regular-season game left — Sunday at home against the Utah Jazz — the Lakers hope Smart’s return can stabilize their defense until Doncic and Reaves are cleared.
Source: Lakers Nation
