Lakers Announce Marcus Smart Injury Update Before Bulls Game

Smart has been a steady force for L.A. in his first season with the team. He’s made 55 appearances thus far, starting 48 of them. During that stretch, Smart has averaged 9.4 points on 39.9% shooting, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 28.4 minutes. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is also knocking down 1.6 triples per game on a 33.6% clip.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they will need to face the Bulls without Smart. The team announced via the injury report that Smart has officially been ruled out for Thursday’s matchup. Smart will be sidelined by a right hip contusion.

Smart’s injury does not sound serious. While it will force him to sit out at least one game, there is a chance that he will return for the Lakers on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets.

Also out for the Lakers on Thursday are Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (back strain), leaving their backcourt significantly thin. LeBron James (hip contusion, foot arthritis) has missed three straight games, and he remains questionable to play against Chicago, as of writing.

The 27-38 Bulls, on the other hand, are going to be extremely shorthanded on Thursday night. Four players are listed out, two are doubtful, three are questionable, while two are probable.

The Lakers enter Thursday’s game with a 40-25 record and fourth in the Western Conference. They are tied with the Houston Rockets with the same record.