Lakers guard Marcus Smart returned from a six-game absence on Wednesday when the Lakers played the Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal round.

From Marcus Smart's return, to the Lakers' bench falling flat, here are three takeaways from the NBA Cup quarterfinal loss to the Spurs.

The Los Angeles Lakers have received a major injury update on three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart, a key offseason signing who has been out for the

Marcus Smart missed the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and there is no further update regarding his health.

With Marcus Smart cleared to play, the Lakers look to keep their Cup hopes alive in a high-stakes showdown with the Spurs.

One of the few positives to come out of the Los Angeles Lakers loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals was the performance of Marcus Smart.

Marcus Smart is set to return from a back injury for the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. After missing