Troubling news has dropped for the Los Angeles Lakers just before tipoff. Marcus Smart, the team’s defensive mastermind, has been officially ruled out for tonight’s NBA Cup Group stage matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, leaving LA scrambling. Though the Lakers have already secured West Group B and qualified for the next stage, Luka Doncic’s former team still marks a highlight game for most viewers.

The official update has cited back spasms as the cause, an issue that was first reported yesterday and has worsened. Initially, Smart was listed as ‘questionable’ heading into today, with an update earlier today downgrading his status to ‘doubtful.’ Now, with him missing tonight’s game, the Lakers are losing a key part of their defensive identity.

Smart isn’t just another guard to soak minu

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