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
