Marcus Smart Becoming Difference-Maker As Playoffs Near

And with nearly 30 seconds left in overtime, he calmly knocked down a wide-open three off a behind-the-back dime from Luka Doncic. It was a fitting moment of redemption for Smart, who missed several wide-open clutch threes in Denver on Mar. 5, with LA falling 120-113.

Reflecting on that moment in light of the previous crunch-time miscues, Smart said, “[I] could’ve easily fell into that trap where we’re like, not again, and I wouldn’t blame Luka or those guys to not trust me, but I think it speaks to our team, speaks to me, speaks to those guys, and how willing they are to trust each other and trust us.”

Smart’s performance is his best since head coach JJ Redick made him a full-time starter post-All-Star break. He’s done just enough to complement the big three and exceed expectations. In that 12-game span, Smart has averaged 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals on 41% shooting from the field and 38% from deep.

Smart’s Experience and Effort Key for Playoff Push

Smart is no stranger to playoff basketball, with nine postseasons under his belt as a member of the Boston Celtics. Now looking to help the Lakers rise toward championship heights, Smart discussed the benefits of facing tough tests in the regular season.

“These games are playoff-type games, and we’re getting ready for the playoffs, right? So to be able to get battle-tested like that early, we know what to expect, and I think it’s only going to help us. Obviously, we have games left, we gotta go finish it out. But to play in these [types] of games, to get the confidence, to see different looks and get that feel, I think it’s only going to help everybody out.”

The Lakers’ upcoming road trip will do them no favors, as they face the Houston Rockets (41-25, 4th in the West) twice, Miami Heat (38-30, 7th in the East), Orlando Magic (38-28, 5th in the East), and Detroit Pistons (48-18, 1st in the East) before a lighter matchup with the lottery-bound Indiana Pacers.

As the Lakers inch closer to the postseason, Smart will continue to be a cog in the wheel, be it with his game-changing defense, efficient perimeter shooting or—most importantly—his ability to win on the margins. Moments like Saturday’s are precisely why he was brought to LA to begin with. He has starred in his role and looked like the perfect fifth starter next to James, Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton.

Smart’s presence has already paid off for Rob Pelinka and Co., but perhaps the best is still to come for the 12-year vet.