After losing to the Boston Celtics by 21 points on Friday without Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers started to return to form on Sunday versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Both Doncic and James were back in action, and the Lakers were able to come from behind and hold off Philly for a 112-108 victory.One Lakers rotation player is still out of action right now. That would be guard Marcus Smart, who has been dealing with a back ailment and has missed each of the team’s last six games. Coach JJ Redick said that Smart is “still day to day” and that he hopes to have the veteran back on Wednesday when L.A. hosts the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinal round of the Emirates NBA Cup.JJ Redick on Marcus Smart, who’s progressing, but remains out tonight: “We’re hoping he’s back Wednesday, but he’s still day to day.”— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 7, 2025So far this season, Smart is averaging 9.3 points, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals in 26.8 minutes a game. While he’s shooting just 40.8% from the field and 25.4% from 3-point range, the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has helped the Lakers with his defensive ability and overall resourcefulness, not to mention his ability to be a solid secondary ball-handler and playmaker.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick on when he’s hoping Marcus Smart will return