Marcus Smart has made franchise history for the Los Angeles Lakers, as announced on April 25. Smart became the first player in team history to record consecutive playoff games with at least 20 points and five steals.
The achievement highlights Smart’s impact since joining the Lakers this season. His recent performances have helped Los Angeles secure a commanding 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in their current playoff series.
In Game 2, Smart scored 25 points, provided seven assists, and collected five steals while shooting efficiently from both the field and three-point range. He followed up in Game 3 with another strong showing of 21 points, ten rebounds, five steals, and two blocks—leading a comeback in the final moments of play.
Reflecting on his performance and return to postseason action after several years away from playoff basketball, Smart said: “When you are sitting at home on the couch as a kid growing up, you’re watching the playoffs, this what you dream of being involved in, one of those games, right? And then to not be in the playoffs the last two or three years for me, it just sucked. I got to watch some good basketball and it’s just like, ‘Damn, I’m a competitor. I want to be out there playing too.’ So, to be back out there, it’s a great feeling.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick credited both LeBron James and Marcus Smart for making “big-time plays” that contributed significantly to their victories so far. Redick said their efforts put Los Angeles within reach of advancing to the second round.
As postseason play continues and potential free agency decisions loom for Smart after this season ends—should he decline his player option—the focus remains on maintaining momentum through these playoffs.
