The Lakers' main focus ever since their Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal round loss to the Spurs on Wednesday has been on their defensive issues.

The Los Angeles Lakers have received a major injury update on three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart, a key offseason signing who has been out for the

Marcus Smart missed the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and there is no further update regarding his health.

The LA Lakers endured a 132-119 defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, ending their NBA Cup campaign.

One of the few positives to come out of the Los Angeles Lakers loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals was the performance of Marcus Smart.

The Los Angeles Lakers got Marcus Smart back from injury, and he instantly proved Luka Doncic right in his first game back.

Marcus Smart is set to return from a back injury for the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. After missing

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart was cleared to practice Tuesday after being sidelined with a back issue for the past two weeks, giving L.A. a defensive boost heading into Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.