Marcus Smart has been dealing with an Achilles issue throughout Lakers training camp, but he should be back on the court soon.

Marcus Smart’s showing at practice caught the eye of both Austin Reaves and JJ Redick, who are counting on him to play a key role for the Lakers this season. Bringing in the former Defensive Player of the Year was one of the standout decisions of LA’s offseason.

Head coach JJ Redick clarified the situation, telling reporters that Smart’s absence was due to illness rather than the Achilles issue. “JJ Redick said Marcus Smart has flu-like symptoms and stayed home from practice today,” reported Jovan Buha of Buha’s Block.

Brown would have been a major addition for the Lakers, but things didn’t work out that way. He ultimately took less money to return to Denver. The Lakers then signed Marcus Smart after Brown chose Denver — a move that, so far, hasn’t looked great.

The Los Angeles Lakers are eager to see what Marcus Smart can do on the floor this upcoming season. The Lakers needed more defensive talent on the roster, so signing Smart in free agency was a no-brainer.