Marcus

Smart

Smart has been solid all season, but this may have been one of his best performances. He made big contributions on both ends to help the Lakers finish the game on a 24-8 run. He now has nine steals over his last two games, and he set a new season high for blocks in this game. Of course, he also has nine triples over his last four games, making him an excellent fit as a three-and-D guard in this starting unit. Smart likely won’t continue racking up the defensive stats at this rate, but he’ll remain an excellent option for the Lakers.

In the five games he played after missing time with a strained right calf for the second time this season, Reaves did not exceed 29 minutes. Coming out of the All-Star break, that restriction has been removed, so Reaves will be in the starting lineup for Friday’s game against the Clippers. This will likely bump Marcus Smart to the bench.

LeBron sat out Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, which was the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers. He’s back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Mavericks. James and Marcus Smart returning will push Luke Kennard and Kobe Bufkin to the bench.

Smart is one of four key contributors ruled out for Tuesday’s game, the second in as many nights for the Lakers. Fantasy managers should expect to see Luke Kennard, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James play significant minutes, as Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić are also out.

Smart will eventually return to the bench when the Lakers are finally healthy, but for now, he’ll remain productive. This was his second straight game with at least 15 points after five straight scoring in single digits. Smart isn’t a reliable option for fantasy managers, but he is still capable of making an impact. This was the first leg of a back-to-back, so it would be surprising if Austin Reaves (calf) played against the Spurs on Tuesday. That could mean extra minutes for Smart.

With Tuesday’s game being the first for Reaves since Christmas Day, he was on a minutes restriction. Coming off the bench, the Lakers’ guard logged 21 minutes in his first game back. Reaves didn’t have the best night shooting the ball, but he was able to get to the foul line. Based on how Lakers head coach JJ Redick handled the rotation, Jake LaRavia could be the odd man out once Reaves’ playing time is no longer restricted. Reaves started the second half, replacing LaRavia (18 points, five rebounds, one steal and one three-pointer). However, LaRavia heading to the bench isn’t set in stone, especially with Marcus Smart (6/3/1/1) being the player who moved into the lineup when Reaves went down in December.

Reaves is back after sitting out the last 18 Lakers games with a calf injury. Marcus Smart will likely remain in the starting lineup Tuesday as Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters Reaves will come off the bench and be on a minutes restriction. Despite Reaves’ return, Smart should have a significant role against the Nets on Tuesday.

Reaves has missed the last 18 games for the Lakers but has been questionable ahead of their last couple of games. He could make his long-awaited return against Brooklyn, which would push Marcus Smart to the bench. Reaves will likely have his minutes managed, so Smart should still play a significant reserve role.

Given the high-profile nature of Sunday’s game, there was hope that Reaves would be able to return after missing 18 games with a strained calf. Unfortunately, after going through his pregame workout, the Lakers’ guard could not play. While there is hope that Reaves will be able to play on Thursday, Redick noted that the guard needs to have “100 percent confidence” in his calf before returning. Reaves is considered day-to-day, and Marcus Smart will remain in the starting lineup until that changes.

Initially listed as questionable with a calf injury, Reaves will remain out as he hasn’t played since December 25. The 27-year-old shooting guard’s return may not be far off, but Marcus Smart is in line for another start Sunday, though he’s not worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.