In a stunning development that could shake up the Western Conference landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without one of their key defensive anchors in tonight’s highly anticipated clash against the Phoenix Suns. Three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart has been officially ruled out for the second consecutive game due to a nagging lower back injury, as reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic. This absence comes at a pivotal moment for the 15-4 Lakers, who are riding a scorching seven-game winning streak and facing the second night of a back-to-back.
Smart, the 31-year-old veteran who joined the Lakers on a two-year, $10.5 million deal this summer, has been a revelation in purple and gold. After a couple of underwhelming seasons split between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, he’s rediscovered his form, providing tenacious defense and timely scoring. His stats this season speak volumes about his impact:
Averaging 9.3 points per game on .408/.254/.938 shooting splits, along with 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and an impressive 1.8 steals per night across 14 games (nine starts), Smart has proven to be worth every penny. While he may not be at the peak of his Defensive Player of the Year form from his Boston Celtics days, his presence has bolstered LA’s perimeter defense and helped solidify their status as one of the league’s top teams early in the 2025-26 campaign. Fans and analysts alike are hoping this back issue doesn’t linger into the playoffs, as Smart’s grit could be crucial for a deep postseason run.
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The timing couldn’t be worse for the Lakers, who are set to test their mettle against a feisty 12-9 Suns squad desperate to snap a two-game losing streak. Phoenix has been dealing with their own injury woes, per the NBA’s latest injury report. Starting shooting guard Jalen Green is sidelined with a right hamstring strain, while combo forward Isaiah Livers is out due to a right hip strain. Forward Ryan Dunn is listed as probable despite a right wrist sprain, which could give the Suns some much-needed depth.
Without Smart, head coach JJ Redick will need to adjust his rotations carefully. Gabe Vincent emerges as the primary point-of-attack defender on the perimeter among the active roster. Jarred Vanderbilt, who’s seen limited minutes this season due to offensive limitations, might get dusted off to help contain Phoenix’s potent attack. On the interior, new Lakers signee Deandre Ayton has been a defensive stalwart, averaging 16.0 points on an efficient 71% field goal shooting, 8.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 0.9 assists, and 0.7 steals per game. The former No. 1 overall pick (selected ahead of Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft) has anchored the paint and could be key in slowing down the Suns’ frontcourt.
This matchup promises fireworks, with both teams boasting star power and high stakes. The Lakers are mostly healthy otherwise, giving them a slight edge, but the Suns’ chippy style and home-court advantage (assuming the game is in Phoenix) could make things interesting. Will LA extend their streak to eight, or will Phoenix bounce back with a statement win?
In related news, author and podcaster Shea Serrano recently shared his candid thoughts on how Lakers-era Shaquille O’Neal would dominate in today’s NBA, sparking debates across social media about the evolution of the game.