The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a bittersweet update on Tuesday, confirming that veteran guard Marcus Smart will miss a fifth consecutive game when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers. At the same time, the team celebrated a significant career milestone for the 32-year-old, who has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.
The award, voted on exclusively by NBA players, recognizes those who contribute far beyond what appears in the box score — embodying leadership, selflessness, and the intangible qualities that strengthen a locker room and a franchise.
In an official statement shared on social media, the Lakers congratulated Smart on his nomination:
“Congrats to Marcus on being named a finalist for the Teammate of the Year Award 💜”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/2039104013199880476
Head coach JJ Redick reiterated that Smart remains day-to-day, with the organization prioritizing a full and complete recovery before his return to the court. Smart last suited up two weeks ago against the Orlando Magic and has been sidelined with an ankle injury.
Since joining the Lakers last offseason on a two-year, $11 million deal following a buyout from the Washington Wizards, Smart has emerged as a key starter. He has appeared in 60 games with 53 starts this season, bringing veteran stability and defensive intensity to a roster featuring superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
A Teammate Recognized by His Peers
Smart’s nomination for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award highlights the respect he commands across the league. Players themselves vote for the honor, making it one of the most meaningful accolades in the NBA. It celebrates the “glue guys” — those whose impact extends well beyond statistics and into the fabric of team culture.
Beyond his contributions in the locker room, Smart has made a profound difference off the court. Just days ago, he visited UCLA Medical Center to support a foundation project dedicated to his late brother, Todd Westbrook, who passed away from leukemia. This act of selfless philanthropy, rooted in personal loss, exemplifies the character the Twyman-Stokes Award seeks to honor.
Smart’s Impact on the Lakers This Season
On the court, Smart is averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this season — numbers below his career averages but reflective of his specialized role. His true value shines through in his defensive presence. With 1.4 steals per game, he ranks among the team leaders in that category, injecting the tenacity and competitiveness that defined his nearly decade-long tenure with the Boston Celtics.
This season marks a notable step forward in availability for Smart, who had not played at least 60 games in a season since 2022-23. He has also started more than 50 games just three times previously in his career. His reliability has been a welcome addition for the Lakers as they push toward the postseason.
Despite sharing the floor with future Hall of Famers like James and Doncic, Smart has carved out his own identity as a vocal leader and defensive anchor. His absence over the past two weeks represents the first significant stretch of missed time this season, and the Lakers are hopeful he will regain full health in time to bolster their playoff roster.
As the regular season winds down, Smart’s combination of on-court grit, locker-room leadership, and off-court generosity continues to resonate. Whether or not he claims the Twyman-Stokes Award, his peers’ recognition serves as a powerful affirmation of his value — both as a basketball player and as a person.
The Lakers will look to navigate Tuesday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers without their defensive specialist, while keeping a close eye on his day-to-day progress. For a team with championship aspirations, Smart’s return could prove pivotal in the weeks ahead.