Marcus Smart feels confident that he can contribute to the Lakers’ success, whether he’s in the starting lineup, coming off the bench, or even playing pickleball. He doesn’t see LeBron James’ return affecting his drive or role on the team. “I like to think of myself as a Swiss Army knife,” Smart said Saturday before the Lakers faced Utah. “I might not excel at one specific thing, but I handle many aspects of the game well. With players coming and going due to injury or rest, and games varying in quality, you have to adapt to what’s needed at the moment.”
The Lakers, currently holding an 11-4 record, hope to maintain their momentum as LeBron returns from injury after a long wait. Smart had started the first nine games but only played 17 minutes in Tuesday’s 140-126 win over the Jazz, scoring five points and grabbing three rebounds. Although Smart wasn’t highly efficient shooting, coach JJ Reddick praised his contribution off the bench, along with efforts from Jake LaRavia, Jackson Hayes, and Gabe Vincent.
Vincent recently came back from an ankle sprain that kept him out for 11 games, scoring six points with an efficient 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. LaRavia led the bench effort with 16 points and four rebounds, shooting 6-of-10 including two 3-pointers. The 24-year-old LaRavia, who joined this offseason as a free agent, had anticipated playing alongside LeBron James. After waiting through training camp, preseason, and 14 games, his chance finally came, and he made a shot assisted by James in the first quarter. “It was awesome to finally play with him,” LaRavia said. “He brings a unique level of passing and offensive skill, especially in transition and when handling the ball.”
The Lakers have been increasing their pace, scoring a higher percentage of points in transition over recent games. Utah State, their next opponent, plays at one of the fastest paces in college basketball. As the NBA game has accelerated over the years, minor injuries have become more common. The Lakers benefited from a four-day rest period last week, which helped the team recover and bond.
In a lighthearted break, the team took part in a competitive pickleball tournament filled with playful trash talk. Smart, Reddick, and head video coordinator Michael Wexler made it to the semifinals but lost to Luka Doncic and player development coach Ty Abbott. LaRavia and assistant coach Beau Levesque won the championship, with Redick playfully questioning the team pairings’ fairness. Smart noted he played cautiously, not wanting to risk injury, and joked about wanting to try tennis next. Reddick gave the event high marks, calling it a refreshing change from the season’s routine.
On a separate note, center Deandre Ayton missed Saturday’s practice due to illness but was expected to join the Lakers for their upcoming trip to Utah.
Fan Take: This update shows how important versatility and team chemistry are in the fast-evolving NBA landscape. Smart’s adaptable playstyle combined with LeBron’s return could give the Lakers a dynamic edge, and the team’s mix of hard work and camaraderie bodes well for an exciting season ahead.
