Photo: Los Angeles Lakers/X

The Los Angeles Lakers are optimistic that Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year, could return to action for Wednesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.

As Khobi Price of The Southern California News Group reports, Smart has been sidelined for six straight contests because of a lingering back problem.

His injury listing has shifted several times during this stretch, with the most recent update describing it as a left lumbar muscle strain.

Smart was able to complete an on-court workout Sunday in Philadelphia, a positive step toward being available again.

Head coach JJ Redick addressed Smart’s progress before that game, saying, “Over the last couple days, he’s [gotten] closer,” and adding that “We were hoping he’s back Wednesday, but still day-to-day.”

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