A 26-point lead against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday was all the statement the Los Angeles Lakers needed, cruising to a 133-121 win. At 15-4, the Lakers ride a seven-game streak, which will be put to the test on Monday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns , a team on the rise at 12-9 but coming off back-to-back losses. The question isn’t whether the Lakers are good or bad. It’s how long they can maintain this momentum, especially with key players on the injury list.

“Marcus Smart is out tonight with back spasms, per the Lakers,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on X.

LeBron James isn’t on the injury report.

This marks Smart’s third straight game on the sidelines. The earliest fans might see him again is Thursday against the Raptors, giving guys like Gabe Vincent, Jaka LaRavia, a

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