Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart said he plans to be back in uniform for Wednesday’s Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs after missing six games with a back injury.
Smart practiced without limitations on Tuesday and reported no lingering discomfort from the issue first labeled as back spasms and later identified as a left lumbar muscle strain.
“Back is feeling good,” Smart told reporters. “We did some tests, passed the tests, so we’re gonna give it a shot tomorrow and see how it feels. But right now, I’m playing tomorrow.”
Timeline of the injury
The veteran guard has been out for roughly two weeks. Head coach JJ Redick previously indicated the team did not view the problem as a long-term concern, a stance affirmed by Smart’s full return to practice.
Smart attributed the setback to “just wear and tear over the years,” noting that he had not logged heavy minutes in the two seasons before joining the Lakers. Training staff, he said, focused on keeping the area loose while avoiding an extended layoff.
No predetermined minutes cap
The 31-year-old confirmed there will be no formal minutes restriction, though the coaching staff will monitor his workload.
“If I’m feeling good and playing well, the minutes will stay high,” Smart explained. “If there’s a game where I don’t need to play 30 minutes, we’re not gonna play me 30 minutes.”
Los Angeles enters Wednesday’s matchup looking to counter a Spurs backcourt described by Smart as featuring “a lot of firepower, led by De’Aaron Fox.”
The Lakers have gone 3-3 during Smart’s absence.
Source: Lakers Nation
