LOS ANGELES — Lakers reserve guard Marcus Smart was sidelined for the third consecutive game on Monday night against the Phoenix Suns, but the team is confident he isn’t dealing with a long-term concern with his back.

Smart was ruled out against the Suns on Monday afternoon because of lower back injury management – a change in injury designation after being listed as out for last Friday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks and Sunday night’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans because of back spasms.

Coach JJ Redick said Smart played through back tightness in last Tuesday’s victory over the Clippers but the tightness worsened the next couple of days, leading to Smart getting imaging.

“Imaging was unremarkable,” Redick said. “Looked like a normal 11-year NBA veteran. We’ve all gotten tha

See Full Page