Lakers' Marcus Smart could return from ankle injury against Mavericks

Smart has missed six straight games due to the injury suffered in Orlando.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:48am

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The Los Angeles Lakers could welcome back Marcus Smart to the lineup as soon as Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks. Smart has been sidelined for nearly two weeks after suffering an ankle injury in a game against the Orlando Magic, but Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided an encouraging update on Smart's potential return date.

Why it matters

Smart has been a valuable role player and starter for the Lakers this season, and his return will be important as the team prepares for the playoffs. The Lakers have been able to win games without Smart, but getting him back on the court to shake off any rust before the postseason is crucial.

The details

Smart initially suffered the ankle injury on March 21 when Goga Bitadze fell on him during a game in Orlando. The injury was initially diagnosed as day-to-day, but Smart has now missed six straight games. Prior to the Lakers' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Redick provided an update indicating that Smart could return as soon as Sunday's game against the Mavericks.

  • Smart suffered the ankle injury on March 21 in a game against the Orlando Magic.
  • Smart has now missed six straight games since the injury.
  • Redick provided an update on Smart's potential return before the Lakers' game against the Thunder on April 3.

The players

Marcus Smart

A valuable role player and starter for the Los Angeles Lakers this season who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who provided an update on Smart's potential return date.

Goga Bitadze

The player whose fall caused Smart's ankle injury during a game against the Orlando Magic.

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What they’re saying

“It's certainly easier to take a more cautious approach to bringing a player back from injury when you are winning, which could be what the Lakers have done. At the very least, they haven't been in a rush to bring Smart back with wins racking up.”

— Jacob Rude, Author

What’s next

If Smart does return on Sunday against the Mavericks, that will give him a week's worth of games, including a contest against the Thunder, before the playoffs begin.

The takeaway

Getting Smart back on the court and shaking off any rust before the playoffs is crucial for the Lakers, who have been able to win games without him but will need him at full strength for the postseason push.