When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart this summer, there was risk involved given his injury history, age and not playing for a contender in a few years. However, he has exceeded every expectation and is playing a vital role in L.A. having a commanding 3-0 lead against the Houston Rockets.
In Game 2, the veteran guard dropped 25 points, seven assists, with five steals on 8-for-13 from the field and 5-for-7 from 3-point range. He followed up with 21 points, 10 points, five steals and two blocks in Game 3, leading an incredible comeback in the final seconds.
After those two performances, Smart became the first player in franchise history to have back-to-back playoff games with at least 20 points and five steals.
Marcus became the FIRST player in franchise history to have back-to-back playoff games with at least 20 points & five steals. pic.twitter.com/vpa9Btg0OH
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 25, 2026
Smart followed up his historic Game 2 performance by making more history in Game 3, using his playoff experience to get the Lakers out to a great start.
Given how many legends have donned the purple and gold, it is not common for a player to be the first to do something and the former Defensive Player of the Year dreamt of making this type of impact in the playoffs.
“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?” Smart said. “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.”
The postseason is a time to evaluate a roster, figuring out which players can contribute to wins and ultimately a championship. Through three games, Smart is averaging 20.3 points, 8.3 assists, 3.7 steals and 1.7 blocks on 52.9% from the field and 50% from 3-point distance.
With potential free agency looming, presuming he declines his player option, L.A. will have to pay Smart to keep him. Right now though, the focus is on this playoff run as the Lakers are one win away from moving on to the second round.
JJ Redick praises LeBron James & Marcus Smart
Despite the Lakers going up 3-0, the Rockets are an extremely physical team and L.A. has had to earn every win. LeBron James shouldered a vast amount of their offense, along with Smart’s heightened two-way play.
Without their production, L.A. would not be in this position and Smart specifically turned a presumed loss into an improbable overtime win in Game 3. Head coach JJ Redick credited Smart and James for the ‘big-time plays’ that now allows the Lakers to go for a sweep.
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