The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Apr. 4 that Marcus Smart will remain out due to a right ankle contusion, while Jarred Vanderbilt is listed as questionable with right calf soreness for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.
This update comes as the team faces a series of injuries at a crucial point in the season. Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) have also been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, impacting the Lakers’ roster depth.
Smart, who has missed six consecutive games, resumed on-court activities during the past week. There was initial optimism about his return for this matchup in Dallas; however, he remains sidelined. The team indicated it would continue to be cautious with Smart’s recovery to avoid aggravating his injury further.
Vanderbilt has not been part of recent rotations but could see increased playing time if cleared to play due to other key absences. LeBron James is expected to handle primary ball-handling duties moving forward, while teammates Bronny James, Kobe Bufkin, Dalton Knecht and Luke Kennard may also see expanded roles handling the ball.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed his decision regarding player usage during Thursday’s loss to Oklahoma City Thunder when both Doncic and Reaves played through their injuries. “It was discussed at halftime,” Redick said on Spectrum SportsNet when asked about possibly sitting Doncic and Reaves. “Thought we’d give those guys about six minutes and if we didn’t cut into the lead we were gonna pull them. Obviously it was around that time, I don’t remember the exact time, [the injury] happened.”
As both players now face extended absences, observers note these developments could affect what had previously looked like a promising season for Los Angeles.