The Los Angeles Lakers are heating up-and fast. After handling the New Orleans Pelicans with a 133-121 win, the Lakers have now strung together seven straight victories, pushing their record to an impressive 15-4. Momentum is clearly on their side, but as they prepare to host the Phoenix Suns in a back-to-back showdown, the health of key players is becoming a storyline to watch.
The biggest question mark heading into the matchup? Marcus Smart.
The veteran guard, who joined the Lakers this past offseason, has been ruled out again-this time due to a lingering back issue. He also missed the game against the Pelicans, and there’s still no clear timetable for his return.
Smart’s absence is a tough blow, especially considering what he brings to the table. In 14 games this season, he’s averaged 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
The shooting numbers-40.8% from the field and 25.4% from beyond the arc-don’t jump off the page, but that’s never been the full story with Smart. His value lies in his defensive grit, his leadership, and his ability to set the tone on both ends of the floor.
And the Lakers could use that edge right now. While the team is surging, they’re doing it without a full deck.
LeBron James is also sidelined with a foot injury, leaving the Lakers without two of their most vocal and experienced leaders. Still, the rest of the roster has stepped up, with players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves helping to steady the ship and keep the wins coming.
Doncic, in particular, has been a driving force. His ability to control the pace, create for others, and take over in crunch time has been essential.
Reaves, meanwhile, continues to grow into his role, showing more confidence with each game. Together, they’ve helped the Lakers weather the early-season storm of injuries and find a rhythm that’s starting to look sustainable.
Smart, even while sidelined, continues to influence the team’s mindset. Speaking recently, he acknowledged the team still has work to do, but he likes the direction they’re heading.
“For us, I think we have a long way to go, but we like where we’re going and the direction that we’re heading,” Smart said. “I would probably say right now, we’re a B-.
We kind of let some things slip. We got to clean up a lot of things, but I like the direction we’re going.
I like the attention to detail we’re trying to go into every game with, and trying to come out with an outcome of being a great defensive team.”
That kind of self-awareness and accountability is exactly what makes Smart such a valuable presence. He’s not just a perimeter pest or a hustle guy-he’s a tone-setter. And even from the bench, he’s helping instill a defensive identity that’s starting to take root in L.A.
The Lakers still have plenty to prove, especially with a tough stretch of games ahead. But if this team can stay healthy-and get Smart and LeBron back in the mix-they’re going to be a handful for anyone in the West. For now, the Suns are next on the docket, and the Lakers are looking to keep the streak alive, even if they’re a few stars short of full strength.
Bottom line: this Lakers squad is finding ways to win, and they’re doing it with grit, depth, and a growing sense of belief. Keep an eye on them-they’re not just stacking wins, they’re building something.