Smart (back) won't play in Friday's game against the Celtics, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports. It's Smart's fifth consecutive absence due to a left lumbar muscle strain. His absence means Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht and Nick Smith could see expanded roles. Smart's next chance to play will come Sunday against Philadelphia.

Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics secured their third-straight win on Tuesday, jumping to 8-7 on the 2025-26 NBA season, their first winning record, after taking down Michael Porter Jr. and the Brooklyn Nets 113-99. Now, the Celtics have turned their attention to game 16 of the season, once again facing the Nets in the NBA Cup.

It has been two full seasons since Marcus Smart has donned a Boston Celtics jersey. But after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the franchise, Smart believes his most recent decision will leave some fans of his former team upset.