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Lakers Welcome LeBron and Smart for Friday's Game

4/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Lakers will have LeBron James and Marcus Smart available for their Friday game against the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron James recently led the Lakers with 26 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors and is on the second night of a back-to-back.
Marcus Smart returns after missing nine games with an ankle injury, boosting a shorthanded Lakers lineup that also lacks Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

History

Historical Context

The 1980 NBA Finals marked a turning point in basketball, with the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2. Magic Johnson, a rookie, scored 42 points in Game 6, stepping in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This victory not only secured the Lakers' seventh championship but also heralded the era of "Showtime" basketball, characterized by fast-paced play and star power.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles Lakers will have LeBron James and Marcus Smart available for their Friday game against the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron James recently led the Lakers with 26 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors and is on the second night of a back-to-back.
Marcus Smart returns after missing nine games with an ankle injury, boosting a shorthanded Lakers lineup that also lacks Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

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