Marcus Smart returned just before the end of the 2025-26 season and helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a couple of wins. The Lakers closed the regular season on a three-game winning streak, setting up a first round matchup with the Houston Rockets.
Like Los Angeles, Houston closed the season on a high note and are considered favorites to win the series. The Lakers are severely undermanned without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, leaving LeBron James, Smart and the rest of the supporting cast to try and extend the series as long as possible. Doncic is trying his best to return at some point in the first round, though nothing is guaranteed given the risks that come with a Grade 2 left hamstring injury.
Aside from the lack of star talent, Smart also admitted that he and Los Angeles will have their hands full trying to guard Kevin Durant.
“Brutal. It’s brutal, man. It’s brutal,” Smart said. “I mean, dude is one of the greatest to play this game and he moves like a guard with a big man’s body. It’s hard, it’s definitely tough. He’s gonna make it tough for us and we’re gonna make it tough for him.”
Durant is one of the biggest offensive mismatches in NBA history because of his physical traits plus his shooting touch from every part of the floor. Even as Durant gets older, he remains as efficient as ever as he is nearly impossible to stop him from getting to his spots.
When the Lakers beat the Rockets twice in a row a few weeks ago, they found success double-teaming Durant, so they likely will look to do the same this series.
Given the current personnel on the Laker roster, it’s fair to expect Smart to draw the unenviable challenge of guarding Durant for most of the series. Smart said he was excited for the challenges to come in the playoffs, so he’s likely looking forward to seeing if he can slow down Durant.
The pathway to a series win lies with James who needs to turn back the clock on both ends of the floor, plus at least a couple role players like Smart catching fire from the field. Houston has the defenders to impede James, so Smart and the rest of the group need to step up when called upon.
Marcus Smart felt great in return after stressful absence
Smart missed more time than expected with an ankle injury, but finally returned in the win against the Phoenix Suns. Smart said he felt great in his first game back after what he called a stressful absence.
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