Is Marcus Smart returning against San Antonio Spurs? Los Angeles Lakers star eyes timely comeback ahead of high-stakes NBA Cup clash

The NBA Cup's knockout stage begins this week, with the Eastern Conference quarterfinals starting today and the Western Conference quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Los Angeles Lakers (17-6) will face the San Antonio Spurs (16-7) in an attempt to win their second NBA Cup in three years. Meanwhile, good news for the Lakers fan as Marcus Smart has been allowed to return from a back injury and is scheduled to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. According to various sources, the Los Angeles Lakers' defensive-minded guard has cleared back testing and plans to play Wednesday against the Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.According to Mike Trudell, Marcus Smart stated that he plans to play Wednesday against San Antonio after missing the previous six games. He further said: “Back is feeling good. Felt good in practice today ... I’m gonna give it a shot tomorrow and see how it feels.”When asked if he'd play tomorrow, Smart didn't leave it to the Lakers' conditioning staff or coaches to divulge his decision. He has missed the past six games due to a back issue. He also informed the media that he will be back for the game. Smart has been one of Los Angeles' top free agent signings this summer, setting the tone on defense, winning 50/50 and hustle plays, and occasionally stabilizing the offence. He is averaging 9.3 points per game, 2.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 steals this season.Since joining the Lakers over the summer, he has averaged 9.3 points and 2.9 assists in 14 games. The Los Angeles Lakers are now 17-6 and second in the Western Conference. However, Rich Paul, LeBron James' agent, reportedly does not see them as real title contenders this year.Marcus Smart is 31 years old and in his 12th season. The fact that he still plays the way he does despite his injury history is fascinating to watch. His return will be a huge advantage against San Antonio.The Los Angeles Lakers are optimistic that Marcus Smart, the former Defensive Player of the Year, will be able to play against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. After Smart's MRI came back clean, Lakers head coach JJ Redick expected him to miss only a few games, but the issue has clearly lingered long enough to keep him out. Given that Smart is a veteran who has lost significant time over the prior several seasons, the organization is naturally concerned about this back problem becoming a long-term issue. Now, ahead of Los Angeles' road trip finale against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, Redick provided an update on Smart and expressed optimism that the guard will be able to return. Khobi Price of the Southern California News Group also provided an update ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers' game against the Spurs is the quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup, so it would be wonderful to have Smart back and the entire roster available.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James shuts down heckler before torching Philadelphia 76ers in legendary comeback