Marcus Smart's Back Injury Update: JJ Redick Offers Optimistic Outlook for Lakers Star
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick provided a crucial update on Marcus Smart's status after the veteran guard missed his third consecutive game due to back-related issues. According to Redick, Smart was initially feeling tightness three games ago and played through it before worsening during the day before Thanksgiving.
The Lakers' head coach revealed that an MRI scan confirmed there was no significant damage to Smart's back, likening him to a typical 11-year NBA veteran. As a result, the team is not concerned about the long-term effects of the setback. Redick described the injury as "day-to-day" and drew parallels with his own experiences playing for the Clippers.
Smart last appeared in action during the Lakers' November 25 game against the Clippers, where he contributed seven points, three rebounds, and three assists off the bench. The team's recent performances without Smart were highlighted by games against the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.
When asked about Smart's expected return to the court, Redick expressed confidence that the guard would be back soon. "It's not a long-term thing," he stated, reassuring reporters. However, it remains to be seen whether Smart will be available for the upcoming games against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.
The Lakers are set to have Tuesday and Wednesday off before facing another challenging back-to-back schedule on Thursday. With Smart's status still uncertain, fans will be keeping a close eye on his progress as he works towards a return to action.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick provided a crucial update on Marcus Smart's status after the veteran guard missed his third consecutive game due to back-related issues. According to Redick, Smart was initially feeling tightness three games ago and played through it before worsening during the day before Thanksgiving.
The Lakers' head coach revealed that an MRI scan confirmed there was no significant damage to Smart's back, likening him to a typical 11-year NBA veteran. As a result, the team is not concerned about the long-term effects of the setback. Redick described the injury as "day-to-day" and drew parallels with his own experiences playing for the Clippers.
Smart last appeared in action during the Lakers' November 25 game against the Clippers, where he contributed seven points, three rebounds, and three assists off the bench. The team's recent performances without Smart were highlighted by games against the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.
When asked about Smart's expected return to the court, Redick expressed confidence that the guard would be back soon. "It's not a long-term thing," he stated, reassuring reporters. However, it remains to be seen whether Smart will be available for the upcoming games against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.
The Lakers are set to have Tuesday and Wednesday off before facing another challenging back-to-back schedule on Thursday. With Smart's status still uncertain, fans will be keeping a close eye on his progress as he works towards a return to action.
Smart's injury update is looking good, no major damage to worry about 
The Lakers are counting on him soon 
His back feels like an 11-year vet 
Not too long-term this time 
... like, I know back injuries are no joke, but "day-to-day" doesn't exactly scream "return to form ASAP". And what's with JJ Redick being optimistic all the time? Is he paid to be positive or something? 
Anyway, I'm more concerned about how Smart's health is going to impact the Lakers' chances in their upcoming games. Can they really handle a back-to-back schedule without their star guard? 
also jj reddick seems like such a cool coach he's really understanding of marcus' situation and i love that 
He just needs to chill and let his back recover or something. It's not like the Lakers are gonna win any championships without him, they're already struggling. 
. I just wanna see him dunk on some guy again 
And Redick saying it's not a long-term thing? Come on, man, we've been hearing that for weeks now. The Lakers need Smart to get healthy ASAP so they can finally start playing some decent basketball 
.
... still, hope he gets back to normal soon and his teammates don't have to suffer too much without him 
. Fans are gonna be on high alert when he finally comes back, that's for sure 
We need more transparency from the Lakers' front office. Are they gonna make some structural changes to prevent this kind of thing from happening again in the future? Or are we just gonna see the same old band-aid fixes? 
JJ Redick's optimism is great, but we need to see him back on the court ASAP 
i know coaches and trainers are always saying things like "it's day-to-day" but come on we all know mcs is gonna be back in the lineup soon 
i'm praying for him and i hope he can make it through this without any major setbacks 
but now its just day to day injuries like normal 
so fingers crossed he gets back on the court ASAP 
jj redick seems really positive about it and the fact that the mri scan didn't show any major damage is def a good sign 
anyway, can't wait for him to get back on the court and wreak havoc on those defenders 
. fingers crossed for a speedy recovery! 
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