Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart was cleared to practice Tuesday after being sidelined with a back issue for the past two weeks, giving L.A. a defensive boost heading into Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.

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

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

Marcus Smart said he felt good physically in his return to the court and tried to bring a spark to the Los Angeles Lakers off the bench.