Marcus

Smart

In his last three appearances before Saturday, Smart totaled 24 points on 8-of-23 shooting from the field. Given the recent production and his season-long value, few expected Smart to have the night that he did. The veteran guard shot 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, a season-high for made three-pointers, while recording his third 20-point game of the season. Expecting Smart to do this consistently would be a bit much, but he’s capable of coming through for fantasy managers every so often.

Smart is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Bulls with a hip injury. His return will likely push Rui Hachimura to the bench, as LeBron James returned from a foot injury the last time out.

Smart was initially listed as doubtful for this game and has now officially been downgraded to out. Jake LaRavia started when Smart was sidelined earlier this season and could return to that role for this game, which would provide him with upside as a streamer.

Smart, who took a hard fall during Tuesday’s win over the Timberwolves, is on track to sit out Thursday’s game with a hip contusion. Jake LaRavia, who Smart replaced in the starting lineup earlier this season, could be the replacement. If so, he would be worth streaming in deep leagues.

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.