Marcus Smart reportedly returned to practice a few days ago after missing the training camp last week.
The Los Angeles Lakers did a great job this offseason, addressing their lapses, especially on the defensive end, by acquiring players like the former Defensive Player of the Year.
In his recent practice, Lakers guard Austin Reaves complimented him on his defense, noting that it has the intensity they have needed ever since last season.
“He guarded me a little bit in the first practice. You still feel that pressure, that intensity that he brings on the defensive end. That’s going to be big for us. We need that.
Smart could be the anchor of their defense this upcoming season, as he communicates well with his teammates and brings experience from his more than a decade stint in the league.
“We need him to be the best version of himself with that communication that he brings, especially defensively. He’s been in the league for a while; he knows how to win at the highest level. Very excited to have him,” Reaves added.
Meanwhile, the three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member engaged himself in playing in the preseason despite the recovery from his Achilles injury and illness, which he recently encountered.
“It’s been a roller coaster. It definitely has,” Smart admitted after practice on Thursday. “But it’s part of the game. The staff is doing a great job of controlling what we can control with the tendinopathy, making sure we’re doing all the things to load it, to get it back used to the things that we’re doing and increasing intensity. The stomach stuff happens, sickness happens, especially when you’ve got a 1-year-old. So I’ve just been dealing with a lot but overall, it’s been a great experience and it’s only gonna continue to be great.”
The Lakers guard clarified that he plans to play in the preseason, but there are no guarantees as to when that will be.
“But we’re definitely gonna take it day by day. Achilles is nothing to play with, as we’ve seen in this league. So we just want to be precautionary with it and take as much caution as we can. But I plan to play during preseason, just don’t know when,” he added.
Fortunately, Lakers head tactician JJ Redick commended Smart’s performance during practice, stating that he is ready to compete after a rollercoaster recovery.
Smart careerly averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 boards, played primarily with the Boston Celtics before being sent to the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.
