The Los Angeles Lakers are walking into tonight’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks shorthanded. Earlier today, Marcus Smart was officially ruled out of the matchup due to a viral illness, and now the team will have to adjust on the fly without one of its most critical two-way players.

What Happened to Marcus Smart?

Smart’s status isn’t the result of an in-game injury or a lingering issue, but an unlucky setback. Earlier today, the Lakers announced that the viral illness after Smart woke up feeling under the weather, and eventually forced Smart’s status to be downgraded to ‘out’ on the second night of a back-to-back.

Last night, he logged 13 points, five assists, and two steals against the New Orleans Pelicans for the Lakers’ second NBA Cup game.

This is an unfortunate setback for the three-time All-Defensive guard, who had been having a bounce-back season after a lackluster 2024-25, which he split between Memphis and Washington.

What Is Marcus Smart’s Injury Status and Expected Return Date?

Smart’s illness doesn’t have an official return timeline yet, but illness-related absences are usually short-term unless symptoms worsen. Just a few days ago, Stephen Curry made his return from a viral illness that had forced him to sit out three of the Golden State Warriors’ matches and stay home during a road trip.

He initially tried to play through the injury during the Warriors’ game against the Phoenix Suns, but it was clear that the illness was slowing him down.

After the game, Curry, coughing on the podium, said, “Tonight in the second half, the tank was on [empty].” Head coach Steve Kerr had said, “He’s wiped out right now. I don’t care what the doctors say, we got to get him some rest. I’ll make the decision right now, he’s not going to play tomorrow.”

How Will the Lakers Line Up Without Marcus Smart?

Marcus Smart isn’t the only player the Lakers are missing. Apart from LeBron James and Gabe Vincent, who are sitting out due to sciatica and a left ankle sprain, respectively, the normal starter, Rui Hachimura, is also sitting out, with the team citing left calf soreness.

It’s unclear when the injury occurred, but the Lakers are likely to be cautious with these setbacks.

Against the Milwaukee Bucks, LA has started a lineup of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at guard, Bronny James and Jake LaRavia at forward, and Deandre Ayton at center.

One of the candidates to get increased playing time for the team is rookie Adou Thierro, whom Redick indicated yesterday is more likely to get playing time against the Bucks.

Against the excellent scoring prowess and physical dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Lakers will need near-perfect execution from stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, along with leaning into more traps and team-oriented coverages to limit perimeter shots to make up for the missing energy that Marcus Smart usually brings.