Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) looks on Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Lakers Announce Decision Amid Austin Reaves' Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 8:08 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The Lakers are coming off a disheartening 132-119 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. It is their second matchup against a division rival. Phoenix took a 125-108 win over Los Angeles in their first meeting in the 2025-26 NBA season.

The team won't have the full force of their star trio. Star guard Austin Reaves has been ruled out with a calf strain. According to reports, Reaves sustained the injury before their game against the Spurs. However, he still played and finished with 15 points on 37.5% shooting.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ahead of their game against the Suns, the team announced that veteran guard Marcus Smart will take over for undrafted guard in the starting lineup.

First five in the desert@ToyotaSoCal | #SuitingUpTogether pic.twitter.com/VDWeLvcYjq
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 15, 2025

Smart has appeared in 15 games this season and will start in his 10th contest. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Marcus Smart could help the Lakers' defensive woes

Putting a defensive specialist for the Lakers is a significant move by the coaching staff. After losing to the Spurs, the attention has been on the team's defensive lapses. Coach JJ Redick is aware of the team's struggles on that end. However, he believes the team can fix things.

"This is my job. I’m not gonna just say, ‘we’re not gonna be a good defensive team.’ No, we’re gonna scrap and claw and do everything we can to turn this into a good defensive team," Redick said after the team's practice on Saturday.

“This is my job. I'm not gonna just say, 'Oh, we're not going to be a good defensive team.' No. We're gonna scrap and claw and do everything we can to turn us into a good defensive team.” - JJ Redick on LAL’s recent defensive struggles pic.twitter.com/pN4JUc2l2e
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 13, 2025

Smart is also looking forward to facing Dillon Brooks. The last time the Lakers met the Suns, Brooks had 33 points. The veteran guard has proven himself to be a tough defender, always willing to assert his presence on the floor.

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

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