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Marcus Smart is very similar to former DPOY signing who helped Kobe Bryant win fifth LA Lakers championship
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Marcus Smart is very similar to former DPOY signing who helped Kobe Bryant win fifth LA Lakers championship

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano  |  Last updated Nov 6, 2025 5:03 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are cruising right now, winners of five in a row.

The Los Angeles Lakers improved to 7-2 on the season with an impressive win against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Luka Doncic led the way with a triple-double scoring 35 points to go along with 13 assists and 9 rebounds.

Marcus Smart, who almost had a critical mistake for the Lakers, chipped in with 17 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.

Marcus Smart is having a similar season to Ron Artest

Ron Artest was a big reason why the Lakers went on to win the title in 2010, which was Kobe Bryant’s fifth of his career.

During the 2009-10 season, Artest averaged 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.3 blocks on 41.4 percent shooting from the field and 35.5 percent shooting from three.

Marcus Smart so far this season is averaging 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.3 blocks on 50.7 percent shooting from the field and 23.3 percent shooting from three.

He has been a huge addition to the Lakers starting lineup, helping them get off to a hot start.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are thriving without LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to find different ways to win.

Doncic and the Lakers came back to beat the Spurs and climbed to second place in the West.

The most impressive part about the Lakers’ early season success is it has come without LeBron James.

James has been out for the entire season so far with sciatica and the Lakers have managed to do just fine without him.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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