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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to continue their homestand tonight against the lottery-destined Washington Wizards. 

L.A. has been hot lately, winning nine of its last 10 games. After tonight, the team should have captured its 49th win of the season and push its lead back to 1.5 games over the Denver Nuggets.

Los Angeles’ surge since mid-February has been powered by multiple things, none bigger than the play of star guard Luka Doncic, who has slowly-but-surely worked his way into the NBA MVP race.

Doncic, however, will miss his 13th game of the season tonight due to a league suspension. 

The 27-year-old Lakers star will serve a one-game ban for reaching the league limit for technical fouls. Doncic was assessed a 16th tech during L.A. win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. 

Aside from Doncic’s absence, the Lakers will be without another key contributor in tonight’s contest. 

Los Angeles Lakers announce Marcus Smart status for Monday

The Lakers may be up against arguably the league’s worst team tonight, but history has shown time and time again that even the worst team is capable of beating the best on any given night.

L.A. must take care of business tonight to avoid a late-season slip-up; the Western Conference playoff race is getting tighter by the day. 

GettyLos Angeles, CA – March 27: Lakers guard Luka Doncic, #77. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The team will need some extra focus tonight, because it will not only be without Doncic, but without defensive ace Marcus Smart. The 32-year-old guard will miss his fourth game in a row due to a right ankle contusion.

Smart has been a driving force in Los Angeles’ late-season turnaround. He helped the Lakers go from middle-of-the-pack to elite. Since the middle of February, Smart has increased his scoring and 3-point shooting. 

For a player brought in for his veteran leadership and especially defense, getting the offensive production he has been providing to his team is a major boost. 

Smart’s injury no longer deemed to be anything more than minor

Like every playoff-destined team, the Lakers are praying to enter the postseason at full strength.

After a long 82-game season, being completely healthy in mid-April is a massive luxury. Not every team will be able to enjoy that. 

L.A. has been getting healthier as the months have gone by, until recent ailments to Smart and forward Rui Hachimura. 

Hachimura has gotten back to full health while Smart is still waiting his turn. Fortunately, head coach JJ Redick said Sunday that Smart is doing well and is more day-to-day. The veteran guard could make his return as soon as tomorrow night’s home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Lakers are eyeing their second-consecutive 50-win season. That hasn’t happened since the 2010-11 campaign. It’ll almost certainly happen this year barring something unforeseen.

 

Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad

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