With only six games remaining on their 2025-26 schedule, no matchup will be bigger for the Los Angeles Lakers than their clash, on the road, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. JJ Redick and company will be forced to figure out a winning strategy without one key component in the formula.
The Lakers released their injury report for the matchup with the Thunder on Thursday night. One notable name continues to be absent. There will be no Marcus Smart. The veteran guard was once again listed as out for the game with a right ankle contusion.
Missing the matchup against the Thunder will mark Smart's sixth-straight absence for the Lakers. Thus far, they have gone 4-1 over that stretch, with the only loss coming against the Detroit Pistons during his first game being out of the lineup.
This Thunder game looms large on the Lakers' remaining schedule for a handful of reasons. Smart has been absolutely transformative for the defense in the second half of this campaign. Not having the former Defensive Player of the Year will be an incredibly challenging setback to overcome.
Lakers must find a away to mitigate Marcus Smart's impactful absence
Since the All-Star break, Smart has averaged 1.8 steals per game, playing the disruptive and energetic brand of defense that once had him recognized as the best in the NBA. Of the Lakers' five most featured lineups following the stoppage in play, Smart has been in two of them. Those lineups have, by far, the top-two net ratings of that group.
Even when stepping back to look at the season as a whole, Smart's fingerprints can be seen all over the Lakers defense. Opposing offenses have a 120.0 net rating when he is off the court. That number tightens up to 113.1 with him on the court. That is a +6.9 swing with Smart on the floor.
The Thunder will bring plenty of offensive obstacles that would demand the presence of a defender who is of his caliber. Redick knows the immense challenge brought by Oklahoma City's attack.
"They just do a great job of driving," Redick said. "You really have to do your best to keep them out of the paint. You have to do your best to be square to the ball, not allow Isaiah Joe to ghost out and not allow [Isaiah] Hartenstein and [Chet] Holmgren to slip roll. ... They know all the tricks."
Jake LaRavia has done a solid job filling in for Smart on the defensive end during this recent injury absence. This game will really test his limits.
More than just the point of attack defense, steals, or anything of that sort, Smart brings toughness. Against a team like the Thunder, who are going to get physical, having a relentless presence who can go head-to-head in games of that nature is invaluable. Alas, for at least one night, the Lakers will be try to channel Smart's competitive spirit without him being directly on the court to provide it.