One of the standouts for the Lakers off the bench this season has been Marcus Smart. Brought in after a couple of disappointing seasons since being traded from the Celtics, Smart has been rejuvenated in LA and has made a positive impact on a nightly basis.

The only thing that has slowed that impact, unfortunately, has been a recent back injury. Smart has not played in the team’s last three games with back spasms and is listed out for Thursday’s game against the Raptors.

Prior to the most recent contest against the Suns, head coach JJ Redick gave an update on Smart’s status that was both encouraging but did not paint the picture of an immediate return.

“He was feeling a little tightness – I guess it was three games ago now – before the game,” Redick said, “played through it, tightened up

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