On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Chicago Bulls in California.
They are coming off a strong 120-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Marcus Smart finished with eight points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals while shooting 3/7 from the field and 1/4 from three-point range in 31 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Marcus Smart News
For Thursday’s game, the Lakers have announced that they will likely be without Smart.
He is listed as doubtful due to a hip issue.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Marcus Smart (hip) doubtful for Thursday.”
Smart is in his first season playing for the Lakers.
The former Oklahoma State star is averaging 9.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 39.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range in 55 games.
Marcus Smart Before The Lakers
Smart was the sixth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
He has also spent time playing for the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards over 12 seasons.
His career averages are 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 38.9% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range in 690 games.
Even though Smart is no longer the player he once was when he won the 2022 Defensive Player of The Year Award, he is still an important veteran for the Lakers heading into the postseason.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on July 19): “Smart, a three-time All-Defense first team guard, will have a player option on his new Lakers deal to enter a more flush 2026 free agency, sources said. Point of attack defender was a position of need for L.A. as well — with Luka Doncic recruiting and reaching out to Smart.”
Lakers Ahead Of Bulls Clash
Before Smart got to the Lakers, they had been coming off a season where they lost in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Right now, they are the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 40-25 record in 65 games.
Following the Bulls, the Lakers will play their next game on Saturday when they remain at home to host Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets.