Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart came back from a six-game absence Wednesday night and delivered a season-high 26 points, but the team fell 14 points short against the San Antonio Spurs in an Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal at Crypto.com Arena.
Smart, sidelined for two weeks with a back injury, knocked down eight three-pointers and provided the energy head coach Darvin Ham said the club had been missing. “When you’re out for a while, that wind is a little tough,” Smart told reporters postgame. “But I got going a little bit, felt good. The back felt really good, body felt good. I just wanted to bring a little spark for us.”
The 31-year-old veteran had missed nine games this season and acknowledged that staying healthy is a priority. “Sometimes you can do that and have games like this where you don’t win,” he said. “Wish the outcome was different.”
Los Angeles now turns its attention back to the regular season, where Smart remains a key perimeter defender. Teammate Luka Doncic has repeatedly praised Smart’s influence, urging the roster to match the guard’s intensity on the defensive end.
Despite the early Cup exit, Smart’s successful return provided an encouraging sign for a Lakers squad looking to keep its roster intact as the season progresses.
Source: Lakers Nation
