All articles tagged with #marcus smart
LeBron James led the Lakers to a 3-0 win over Houston with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists, Rui Hachimura added 22 points, and Marcus Smart contributed 21 points, 10 assists and 5 steals as LA’s depth and clutch defense carried the night while Austin Reaves nears a return.
The Lakers outlasted the Rockets 112-108 in overtime to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, weathering a fourth-quarter rally before LeBron James tied it with a game-tying 3 and Marcus Smart starred with 21 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and seven stocks (five steals, two blocks) as the defense and late-clock plays carried them. The bench—Hayes, LaRavia, Vanderbilt and Bronny James—provided 24 points and momentum when it mattered, showcasing the Lakers’ depth as they push toward a potential sweep.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant provided the marquee matchup, but the Lakers rode a lockdown defense and a 48-point burst from Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard to beat the Rockets 101-94 and take a 2-0 series lead; Durant was held to a quiet second half with 9 turnovers, as Smart and Kennard supplied the scoring and pressure."
LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard powered the Lakers to a 101-94 win over the Rockets in Game 2, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 series lead despite injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. James had 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists; Smart added 25 points and 7 assists, Kennard 23, as the trio carried the offense and clutch defense, with Kennard sealing the victory by hitting two late free throws after Durant’s early burst for Houston. Durant finished strong early but struggled down the stretch, and the Lakers held off a Houston push to take control of the series.
Lakers update: Rui Hachimura is dealing with right calf soreness and Marcus Smart with right ankle soreness (plus a hip injury); both are described as short-term, and a return could come soon with a favorable schedule, potentially by the road-trip finale in Indiana.
The Lakers scrape past the Pelicans thanks to a fourth-quarter defensive clamp and clutch scoring, with LeBron delivering steady offense, Marcus Smart providing a high-impact, multi-stat line, and a late game-sealing 3 from Luka Dončić. Austin Reaves found his footing late after a rough middle stretch, while Kennard and Hayes added timely contributions as L.A. stifled New Orleans down the stretch.
Los Angeles Lakers' new signing Marcus Smart sparked controversy after revealing he hasn't yet spoken to star player LeBron James, leading to fan speculation about James' engagement with the team.
Marcus Smart, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, provided an optimistic update on his health, indicating he is in the high-90s percentage-wise after dealing with finger and ankle injuries. His return to full health is crucial for the Lakers' perimeter defense, and his motivation is high, especially after being recruited by Luka Doncic, which he said means a lot. Smart's defensive prowess and energy could significantly impact the team's performance if he stays healthy.
Marcus Smart, once a top defender and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, is motivated to revive his career after disappointing seasons and injuries, having signed a two-year deal with the Lakers to compete at a high level again.
Marcus Smart joined the Lakers on a two-year deal, expressing excitement about playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, though he has yet to hear from LeBron, which has sparked some fan criticism. Smart aims to bolster the Lakers' defense and pursue an NBA title, marking a new chapter after years of facing LeBron's dominance.
Marcus Smart, a highly motivated and defensive-minded player, has joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal after a buyout with the Wizards. He aims to bring leadership, intensity, and defensive prowess to the team, which is optimistic about its competitive potential in the upcoming NBA season.
Jake LaRavia is excited to reunite with Marcus Smart on the Lakers, bringing energy, defense, and leadership to improve the team's perimeter defense. LaRavia, a versatile player, aims to develop as a 3-and-D connector, benefiting from Smart's veteran presence and familiarity from Memphis. The Lakers hope these signings will strengthen their roster and culture.
Marcus Smart has joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $11 million deal after a series of trades and a buyout from the Wizards, aiming to bolster the team's defense. His success depends on his health and ability to perform at his Boston-level defensive prowess, which remains uncertain after limited play in recent seasons. The signing is seen as a low-cost, potentially high-reward move that could help the Lakers make a stronger playoff push, especially with LeBron James expected to stay.
Kendrick Perkins praises the Los Angeles Lakers' signing of Marcus Smart, considering it a crucial defensive upgrade and more impactful than the Clippers' acquisition of Bradley Beal, highlighting Smart's defensive prowess and his importance to the Lakers' success.
The Lakers are financially constrained after signing Marcus Smart, as they are now hard-capped at the first apron and cannot make further signings or trades that cross this threshold until mid-January 2026, limiting their roster flexibility for the upcoming season.