#marcus_smart

Lakers Secure 3-0 Series Lead with 112-108 Victory Over Rockets in Overtime Thriller HOUSTON -- — LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, Marcus Smart had eight points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on a Houston Rockets team missing Kevin Durant for a 112-108 win Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series. The Lakers rallied from a six-point deficit with under 30 seconds remaining and can sweep the series Sunday night in Houston. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the final moments of regulation. With the Lakers trailing 101-95 and 25 seconds left, Smart was fouled on a 3-point attempt after a Houston turnover. He made all three free throws to tie the game at 101-all. James then stole the ball from Reed Sheppard and hit a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. Houston’s Alperen Sengun missed a 7-footer, giving the Lakers possession, but James’ 3-point attempt bounced off the rim, forcing overtime. In overtime, the Lakers opened with a 6-2 run, highlighted by Smart’s 3-pointer to take a 107-103 lead. Smart added two free throws with 35.5 seconds remaining to make it 111-105. Houston’s Reed Sheppard cut the lead to three with a 3-pointer, but Smart sealed the victory with 1 of 2 free throws to push the lead to 112-108. James, who played more than 45 minutes, emphasized the challenges of the Lakers’ depleted roster. “Everyone has to do a little bit more because of how much we’re missing,” he said. “It’s a challenge for all of us and just trying to figure it out together.” The 41-year-old forward also added 13 rebounds, including an alley-oop pass to his son Bronny for a basket in the first half.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #houston_rockets #alperen_sengun #marcus_smart

Lakers Overcome Six-Point Deficit, Secure 3-0 Series Lead in Overtime Thriller Against Rockets HOUSTON -- Trailing by six points with just half a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have squandered their opportunity to clinch a 3-0 series advantage against the Houston Rockets. However, a dramatic late-game surge led by LeBron James and Marcus Smart turned the tide, culminating in an 112-108 overtime victory that extended the Lakers’ lead in their first-round NBA playoff series. The pivotal moment came when Smart stole a pass from Jabari Smith Jr. with 27.8 seconds left in regulation, immediately launching a three-point attempt that drew a foul on Jae'Sean Tate. The 12-year veteran made all three free throws, cutting Houston’s lead to two points. Smart, who finished with 21 points, 10 assists, and five steals, credited his experience for the play, stating, “My vet savvy. Been in the league for 12 years. I picked up some tricks.” James, the NBA’s all-time leader in playoff games (295) and seasons (23), delivered the game’s defining moment. Trapping Rockets guard Reed Sheppard in the backcourt, he forced a turnover, retrieved the ball, and hit a catch-and-shoot three-pointer with 13.6 seconds remaining to tie the game. The 41-year-old James, who played 45 minutes, added 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and eight turnovers, emphasizing his importance to the team: “Listen, we came that far, so trying to see if I can make plays. Obviously my presence on the floor is key for our ballclub.” The Lakers outscored Houston 11-7 in overtime, with Smart contributing two crucial free throws with 52.4 seconds left. After grabbing an offensive rebound following a James miss, Smart sneaked behind Tari Eason and was fouled on a putback attempt.#lakers #lebron_james #rockets #marcus_smart #jajabari_smith_jr

Maxi Kleber Available for Game After Injury Upgrade Maxi Kleber has been upgraded to available for tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons following a lumbar back strain. The update comes as the team prepares for the matchup, with Kleber’s status now listed as clear to play. In contrast, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart have been downgraded to out for the game. Hachimura is dealing with right calf soreness, while Smart is sidelined due to right ankle soreness. The team’s medical staff has determined that both players are not fit to participate in the contest. The updates were provided by Trevor Lane, who reported the changes in the latest injury report. The information highlights the team’s current roster challenges as they navigate the upcoming schedule. With key players sidelined, the team will need to adjust its strategy and depth for the game against Detroit. The decisions to upgrade and downgrade players reflect the ongoing management of injuries within the squad. While Kleber’s availability offers a potential boost to the team’s offensive options, the absence of Hachimura and Smart may impact both scoring and defensive versatility. The team’s coaching staff will likely focus on maximizing the strengths of the remaining players to compensate for the losses. This development underscores the importance of player health in maintaining competitive performance. As the season progresses, managing injuries will remain a critical factor in the team’s ability to secure victories. The game against Detroit will serve as a test of how effectively the team can adapt to these challenges.#detroit_pistons #marcus_smart #maxi_kleber #rui_hachimura #trevor_lane

LeBron James Commends Luka Doncic's 'Generational' Performance in Lakers' Overtime Win The Los Angeles Lakers secured a dramatic 127-125 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets, with Slovenian star Luka Doncic delivering a standout performance that earned praise from teammate LeBron James. Doncic, 27, contributed 30 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds in his eighth triple-double of the season, leading the Lakers to their fifth consecutive win. The game-winning moment came as Doncic hit a step-back jump shot with 0.5 seconds remaining on the clock, sealing the win for his team. James, 41, lauded Doncic’s talent, calling him a “generational player” and highlighting his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. “Just a big-time shot by a generational player,” James said, adding that Doncic’s game-winning contributions would be “just the first of many” during his time with the Lakers. The six-time NBA All-Star’s performance underscored his growing influence in the league, as he continues to elevate his game alongside James. The Lakers’ victory was bolstered by strong performances from other key players. Austin Reaves led the team with 32 points, while Marcus Smart added 21 points and five steals. James himself contributed 17 points in 40 minutes, showcasing his enduring impact despite his age. The win moved the Lakers up to third in the Western Conference, signaling their continued competitiveness in the league. A pivotal defensive play in the final moments of regulation added to the Lakers’ momentum. With 54.3 seconds remaining, James dove full length to block a potential offensive rebound for Denver, a move Lakers coach JJ Redick called unprecedented in James’ 23-year career.#lebron_james #luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #austin_reaves #marcus_smart

Lakers' Rui Hachimura to Start from Bench Against Nuggets Rui Hachimura will not start for the Los Angeles Lakers in their matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, according to reports from The Athletic. The decision comes as the team welcomes back Marcus Smart, who has returned from injury and is expected to take a starting role. Hachimura, who has been a key contributor for the Lakers, has started in all of the team’s previous four games but will now enter the game as a bench player. The 25-year-old forward has been a consistent performer for the Lakers, averaging 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers per game over his last five contests. He has played an average of 30.6 minutes per game during that span, showcasing his ability to impact the game despite the increased workload. His presence on the floor has been crucial for the Lakers’ offensive output, particularly in their recent victories. Hachimura’s bench role for Saturday’s game is part of the Lakers’ strategic adjustments as they navigate the NBA season. The team’s coaching staff has been balancing the minutes of key players while ensuring the roster remains competitive. Smart’s return adds depth to the backcourt, allowing the Lakers to manage their star players’ minutes more effectively. The decision to move Hachimura to the bench highlights the team’s focus on maintaining player health and optimizing lineups for different matchups. While Hachimura’s absence from the starting lineup may be a setback for the Lakers’ offensive firepower, his ability to contribute off the bench remains a valuable asset. The team will rely on his scoring and playmaking to keep the game competitive, especially against a Nuggets squad that has shown resilience in recent weeks.#lakers #denver_nuggets #marcus_smart #rui_hachimura #nba_season

Marcus Smart Claims NBA Team Forced Him To Play Through Injury Before Lakers Stint The Los Angeles Lakers are reaping the rewards of a series of strong roster decisions since the Luka Doncic trade from February 2025. While they didn’t make any flashy additions, their signings since last summer have all led to rewards on the court this season. But even with all these positive players, nobody has had the impact Marcus Smart has had. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, joined the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million contract last summer after being bought out by the Washington Wizards. He had a few irrelevant seasons in the NBA as part of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Wizards, but his time with the Lakers has brought his winning contributions to the forefront once again, leading the team with a +209 plus/minus this season. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Smart revealed that a great part of his success this season comes from getting the opportunity to get healthy after leaving the Grizzlies. He claims the Grizzlies forced him to play through an injury on his right index finger. “I wanted to be 100%, to give everything I got. As I’m still working out and getting ready, they’re just like, ‘No, your doctor said you’re ready now.’ And I’m like, ‘I hear what my doctor said, but … it’s how I feel. Yes, surgically, the finger is fine. But physically, no. The finger is still weak. I’m still strengthening it. This is my dominant hand.’ So, they didn’t want to hear it, and they just kept saying, ‘You need to play.’” Smart has had long-standing issues with his dominant right hand, stemming back to an off-court injury in 2018.#los_angeles_lakers #dave_mcmenamin #washington_wizards #memphis_grizzlies #marcus_smart

Lakers’ LeBron James and Marcus Smart Deliver Highlight-Reel Fast Break Slam The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, extending their winning streak to three games. The win improved their record to 37-24 and showcased standout performances from LeBron James and Marcus Smart, who combined for a dynamic fast break highlight in the third quarter. James, 41, continued his recent dominance with a 21-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist, and two-steal effort, while Smart, 31, contributed 10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks. Their collaboration began when Smart anticipated a pass from Saddiq Bey, initiating a breakaway play that culminated in a thunderous slam by James. The sequence highlighted their ability to transition swiftly from defense to offense, with Smart’s tenacity and James’ athleticism driving the play. The Lakers’ momentum carried over from their previous wins against the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, allowing them to control the tempo against the Pelicans. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of defensive effort, and Smart’s relentless play exemplified the team’s commitment to that strategy. James’ ability to finish strong, despite his age, underscored his enduring impact on the court. Luka Doncic led the Pelicans with 27 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and seven turnovers, but the Lakers’ balanced attack proved too much. The team will next face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, a challenge that will test their resilience. The game also marked a positive step for Redick, who has sought to reignite the team’s early-season energy.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #crypto_com_arena #new_orleans_pelicans #marcus_smart

Rui Hachimura's Physicality Key to Lakers' Dominance Over Warriors and Kings LOS ANGELES – Marcus Smart’s philosophy of “the toughest team sets the rules” has become a guiding principle for the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly in recent games. While the team has struggled to consistently embody this mindset throughout the season, Rui Hachimura believes the Lakers have made strides in recent matchups, especially after back-to-back victories over the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. These wins hinged on the Lakers’ ability to assert physical dominance from the outset, a factor that often goes unnoticed in traditional statistics but is critical to controlling the game’s tempo. The Lakers’ recent dominance against the Warriors and Kings was built on their aggressive approach to defense, relentless effort in rebounding, and commitment to small, often overlooked details like diving for loose balls and securing rebounds. Hachimura emphasized the importance of maintaining this intensity, noting that the team’s ability to set the tone early in games has been a key factor in their recent success. “When we did that today in the game [against the Kings], the game [against the Warriors], I think we set the tone,” he said after the win against the Kings. “That’s why we were able to control the whole game. We have to keep doing it. We have to make those plays and those small things. We have to keep building.” Hachimura’s return to the Lakers’ lineup after a two-game absence due to illness marked a pivotal moment in the team’s recent surge. In his first game back, he contributed eight points while shooting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc in over 22 minutes. Since his return from a calf injury in mid-January, Hachimura has averaged 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 50.1% from the field, 44.#los_angeles_lakers #sacramento_kings #golden_state_warriors #marcus_smart #rui_hachimura

Lakers’ Marcus Smart Signing Proves Game-Changing Move The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to sign Marcus Smart after his offseason buyout from the Wizards has already shown its value, as the former Defensive Player of the Year delivered a standout performance in a 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Despite struggling with shooting efficiency—shooting just 30% from beyond the arc and committing 21 turnovers—the Lakers relied heavily on Smart’s defense to secure the win. His ability to shut down opponents and make critical plays highlighted why the move was a masterstroke for a team in need of defensive stability. Smart’s impact was evident throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Lakers faced a deficit. His relentless effort on the defensive end led to seven combined steals and blocks, keeping the Pelicans at bay and allowing Los Angeles to mount a comeback. The 30-minute span of his impact saw the Lakers outscore New Orleans by 13 points, a testament to his influence on both ends of the floor. A crucial fourth-quarter 3-pointer sealed the victory, showcasing his clutch ability to step up when it matters most. Beyond the numbers, Smart’s presence elevated the team’s energy and focus. Head coach JJ Redick inserted him into the starting lineup in late February as the roster healed from injuries, and the Lakers have since found rhythm in their play. Smart’s role as a leader and vocal defender has been instrumental in maintaining team cohesion, especially in high-stakes moments. His ability to engage players like Deandre Ayton and keep the defense sharp has been a key factor in the Lakers’ recent success. While Luka Doncic and LeBron James carried the scoring load with Doncic posting a 27-point double-double, Smart’s contributions were equally vital.#lakers #deandre_ayton #jj_redick #new_orleans_pelicans #marcus_smart

Marcus Smart Joins Lakers for 2025-26 Season Marcus Smart has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season, aiming to move past a recent stretch of injuries and inconsistent performances. The veteran guard, who previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, appeared in 34 regular-season games last year, averaging 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 39.3% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc in 20 minutes per game. His career has been hampered by recurring injuries, limiting him to just 54 regular-season contests over the past two years and disrupting his ability to establish a consistent rhythm. After agreeing to a buyout with Washington in July, Smart joined the Lakers to add depth to their backcourt and provide a reliable veteran presence. The Lakers’ starting guard positions are secured by superstar Luka Doncic and rising star Austin Reaves, but uncertainty remains behind them. Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and Bronny James are all vying for rotation roles. At 31, Smart may not offer the same offensive upside as younger options, but his defensive prowess remains a key asset. A three-time All-NBA Defensive Team selection and 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, Smart is expected to serve primarily as a defensive specialist, contributing occasional scoring bursts while relying on steady defense to elevate his team’s performance. Smart’s NBA journey began with a first-round draft pick in 2014, where he was selected sixth overall by the Boston Celtics. Over his career, he has consistently been a defensive anchor, earning recognition for his tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #austin_reaves #marcus_smart #youngamechanger_foundation

Marcus Smart Shines with Four Steals in Lakers' Victory Marcus Smart delivered a standout performance in the Lakers' 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, recording 10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks in 30 minutes of action. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was a key factor in the win, as he continued to dominate on the defensive end of the court. Smart’s four steals marked his fourth multi-steal game of the season, showcasing his growing impact as a perimeter defender. The 32-year-old guard’s defensive efforts have been particularly impressive in his last two games, where he tallied nine steals and three blocks in consecutive wins. This surge has positioned him as a critical piece of the Lakers’ defensive strategy, especially with the team looking to solidify its perimeter defense. Smart’s four steals against New Orleans were his second-highest total of the season, with his best performance coming against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the year. While Smart’s offensive production has remained inconsistent, his ability to contribute on the defensive side has made him a valuable asset for the Lakers. In Tuesday’s game, he managed 10 points on a 3-of-9 shooting night, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. Despite his struggles to find his offensive rhythm, Smart’s playmaking skills shone through, as he dished out seven assists, marking his highest assist total since January. Smart’s defensive versatility has been a key strength for the Lakers, allowing him to guard multiple positions effectively. His combination of length, quickness, and basketball IQ has made him a reliable threat in transition and on the fast break.#lakers #nba #memphis_grizzlies #new_orleans_pelicans #marcus_smart