Lakers Star Marcus Smart to Play Limited Minutes in Preseason Debut
Marcus Smart is set to play limited minutes in his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers. The game, scheduled for Tuesday night, will see the Lakers face off against the Phoenix Suns. Smart, recovering from Achilles tendinopathy, aims to play between 20 to 25 minutes.
Lakers Star Returns with Caution
The 31-year-old guard spoke about the rise in Achilles injuries among NBA players in recent times. He shared the cautious approach taken with the Lakers’ medical staff to prepare for his return. Now entering his 12th NBA season, Smart emphasized the importance of readiness and thorough testing before stepping back on the court.
Luka Doncic’s Preseason Plans
Luka Doncic is also making his preseason debut after a modified training regimen. Coach JJ Redick mentioned there isn’t yet a defined minutes restriction for Doncic. However, his workload is expected to increase by his second preseason game.
Upcoming Schedule and Player Decisions
- Tuesday’s game in Phoenix will be followed by a match against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas.
- It is likely that Doncic will also play on Friday at Crypto.com Arena against the Sacramento Kings.
Given the packed schedule of four games in six days, several Lakers players will sit out. Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes are unavailable for Tuesday’s game. Meanwhile, rookie Adou Thiero has returned to on-court activities after recovering from knee issues and will undergo further evaluation in two to three weeks.
