Marcus Smart Announces Injury Development After Mavericks Game

Smart’s importance to the Lakers this season has been clear. Since joining Los Angeles in free agency last summer, he has brought much-needed perimeter defense. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year has appeared in 35 games (28 starts), averaging 10.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 40.6% from the field, 32.8% from three and 86.7% from the free-throw line. 

After Saturday’s game, Smart shared that he experienced an unexpected scare. In the fourth quarter, Smart’s right index finger, which he had surgically repaired last summer, “popped out again” while deflecting a pass in transition. Smart said he didn’t want to leave the game, so he bent over and “just popped it right back in,” then had it wrapped and iced after the contest.

The veteran guard’s toughness was evident, and his ability to play through pain has been a hallmark of his career. Smart’s presence has provided stability on both ends for a Lakers team that has battled injuries, most notably Austin Reaves, who has now missed 15 straight games.

The Lakers continue their eight-game road trip against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, and will to sustain its standing in the Western Conference and build toward the playoff push.