JJ Redick Announces Marcus Smart News After Missing Lakers Practice

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 4:34 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the 2025–26 season with expectations to compete for an NBA championship. Head coach JJ Redick is entering his second season with the organization after a successful first year saw him lead Los Angeles to the third seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers had a busy offseason reshaping the roster and building around Luka Doncic following an early exit from the NBA playoffs. One of the team’s top priorities was improving its defense, and the Lakers addressed that need by signing veteran guard Marcus Smart after he was bought out by the Washington Wizards.

Smart agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal with Los Angeles, a move that was heavily influenced by Doncic’s recruitment efforts.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

As the Lakers’ preseason tipped off last Friday against the Phoenix Suns, Smart was out of the starting lineup while managing an Achilles injury. Despite the setback, Smart had been practicing in a limited capacity and was expected to be ready for opening night.
However, Smart was fully absent from Wednesday’s practice, raising concern given his recent participation.

Head coach JJ Redick clarified the situation, telling reporters that Smart’s absence was due to illness rather than the Achilles issue. “JJ Redick said Marcus Smart has flu-like symptoms and stayed home from practice today,” reported Jovan Buha of Buha’s Block.

JJ Redick said Marcus Smart has flu-like symptoms and stayed home from practice today.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 8, 2025

Smart has struggled with availability over the past two seasons, appearing in just 54 games combined. The Lakers are hopeful his symptoms won’t linger, especially with the regular season set to begin on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.

The 31-year-old guard spent last season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, coming off the bench and averaging just 20 minutes per game — the lowest mark of his 11-year career. While not known for his scoring, Smart contributed 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 39.3% from the field.

The Lakers will hope that Smart can return to his 2021–22 form with the Boston Celtics when he took home Defensive Player of the Year. Smart built his reputation on elite perimeter defense, earning three All-Defensive Team selections by consistently disrupting opposing guards with physicality, anticipation and relentless effort.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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