Marcus Smart wasted no time making his presence felt upon returning to action. The Los Angeles Lakers guard had been sidelined for six games with a left lumbar muscle strain, but he came back firing on all cylinders during Wednesday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.

Smart delivered a season-high 26 points in 28 minutes of work, shooting an efficient 9-for-16 from the field. The most impressive part of his stat line came from beyond the arc, where he connected on eight of his 14 three-point attempts. He also chipped in three rebounds, one assist and one block in the 132-119 loss.

The performance represented exactly the kind of contribution the Lakers hoped to see from their veteran guard. After nearly two weeks away from the court, Smart looked fresh and confident, attacking the Spurs defense with the kind of aggression that has defined his playing style throughout his career.

A hot shooting night from distance

Smart’s eight successful three-pointers stood out as the headline from his return performance. The guard caught fire from downtown, knocking down shots from various spots around the perimeter and giving the Lakers a much-needed offensive boost.

His willingness to let it fly when open helped stretch the Spurs defense and created more space for his teammates to operate. Smart showed no hesitation in his shot selection, pulling the trigger with confidence each time he found himself with room to shoot. The hot hand from distance kept Los Angeles competitive even as San Antonio built their lead.

Tempering expectations going forward

While Smart’s offensive explosion was a welcome sight for Lakers fans, it’s worth noting that this type of performance may not become the norm. Throughout his NBA career, Smart has been a 32.4 percent shooter from three-point range, making Wednesday’s eight-three-pointer game a statistical anomaly rather than a typical outing.

Smart has always been more known for his defensive intensity and toughness than his outside shooting. He’s capable of getting hot from time to time, but sustained periods of elite shooting haven’t been a hallmark of his game. Fantasy basketball managers and fans alike should enjoy this performance while recognizing that similar scoring outbursts will likely be few and far between.

Where Smart provides consistent value

Even without replicating Wednesday’s scoring total, Smart brings important elements to the Lakers. His defensive abilities remain his strongest attribute, and he’s built a reputation as one of the league’s more physical and aggressive perimeter defenders.

For fantasy purposes, Smart can serve as a solid streaming option in certain categories. Managers seeking help with three-pointers, steals and assists could find value in rostering the veteran guard during favorable matchups. His experience and basketball intelligence allow him to contribute even when his shot isn’t falling at such a high rate.

The minutes question looms large

One crucial factor that will determine Smart’s overall impact is how much playing time he receives on a nightly basis. His role within the Lakers rotation could fluctuate significantly depending on which other players are available.

When Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James are all healthy and in the lineup, Smart’s minutes may vary considerably from game to game. The coaching staff faces the challenge of keeping Smart involved while also ensuring the team’s stars receive their expected workload. This balancing act could result in inconsistent opportunities for the veteran guard.

Health remains the priority

Smart’s successful return from the lumbar muscle strain is positive news for both him and the Lakers. Lower back issues can be problematic for basketball players given the physical demands of the sport, so his ability to come back without visible limitations suggests the injury has healed properly.

The Lakers need Smart’s contributions throughout the season, particularly his defensive prowess and veteran leadership. His willingness to handle tough defensive assignments and make winning plays adds another dimension to the team’s backcourt. Moving forward, keeping him healthy will be just as important as any single game performance.

Source: RotoWire