Smart Cleared to Practice and Aiming to Play in Lakers’ NBA Cup Quarterfinal
Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart was cleared to practice on Tuesday after missing two weeks due to a left lumbar muscle strain. His return offers a key defensive boost ahead of Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs.
Smart expressed optimism about his health, saying, "Back’s feeling good… We did some tests, passed the tests, and we’re going to give it a shot tomorrow." The 31-year-old, a former Defensive Player of the Year, has been averaging 9.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals this season after signing with the Lakers in the summer.
Lakers Prepare for Spurs’ Big Men
The Lakers also prepared for the likely return of Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who has missed the last 11 games with a left calf strain. Wembanyama, standing 7-foot-5, is averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game.
Deandre Ayton, Lakers center, commented on the defensive challenge, emphasizing teamwork: "The whole team has to guard him… just really leaving the focus on him on the defensive end and making our defense create our offense in transition." Ayton stressed the importance of making Wembanyama uncomfortable on the court.
Focus on Spurs’ Guard Play
In addition to Wembanyama, the Spurs have regained All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, who has helped lead San Antonio to a 10-5 record in their last 15 games. Fox is averaging 24.3 points and 6.5 assists.
Lakers coach JJ Redick outlined the defensive challenge posed by Fox and the Spurs’ guards: "You got to do a good job of containing drives… They have good movers on their team and so it’s going to be a challenge." He noted Fox as "one of the best guards in the league."
High Stakes in NBA Cup Quarterfinal
The Lakers enter the do-or-die match following an undefeated 4-0 group stage run in the NBA Cup. A win on Wednesday sends them to the semifinals in Las Vegas, advancing closer to a $530,000 cash prize per player. A loss eliminates them, with players receiving $53,000 each.
Ayton expressed enthusiasm for the event, likening it to March Madness: "Fans get to see a different part of the NBA… and we put on a show." Regarding the Lakers’ prospects, he said, "Seeing where we are in the season, why not us?"
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