The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, despite being without Marcus Smart and three other players. The veteran guard wasn’t on the floor, but he still got a technical foul in the second quarter as Indy was on a 10-2 run. Smart just admitted he was the team’s leader in the locker room, and he proved it against the Pacers.
This was Smart’s second straight game on the sidelines with an ankle injury. The 6’3 guard was significantly missed in the loss to the Pistons. It would have been Smart guarding Daniss Jenkins late and may have swung things in LA’s favor.
Smart brings a lot more than defense to the purple and gold. His communication and leadership are much needed. Seeing him get a technical from the bench further proves the team needs his voice. Smart knows he has to lead, and he was doing it even when out with an injury.
Marcus Smart further proved he’s the Lakers' vocal leader without playing
Smart admitted that Luka and LeBron aren’t significant talkers, so he takes the lead. That shouldn’t be a massive shock. Smart was the Celtics' vocal leader for years, even with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on their roster. Fans can hear Smart’s quote below.
Marcus Smart says he takes pride in being a leader in the locker room and helping guide his team 🤝
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) March 25, 2026
“LeBron and Luka don’t really talk as much, they be locked in. DA he’s my guy is kind of all over the place, so I got to regulate that and make sure everyone else is good.”
Via… pic.twitter.com/ttD476eLzZ
The proof is in the pudding. The Lakers are embracing his toughness and physicality. They’ve won 65 percent of the games he’s played in and are 8-5 without him. They have an 8.1 net rating with Smart and are negative-2.4 when he goes to the bench. LA desperately needs a stout perimeter defender, and the former Defensive Player of the Year is making a gigantic impact on and off the court.
Smart got the technical for arguing for the Lakers on Wednesday night, despite not playing. He was trying to get his guys a call. The Pacers are tanking for a high draft pick. LA is chasing the third seed in the West. Fans knew the result going in, but credit to the Pacers for making a late charge. The Lakers were always going to win. That didn’t stop Smart from backing his team and trying to lead from the bench.
The Lakers have won 13 of their last 15 games. Smart is shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range during that stretch and leading the charge defensively. The 32-year-old will play a crucial role in LA’s playoff hopes. They need him to make open shots, play stout defense, and be a vocal leader. He’s already doing all that. The Lakers just need him to get healthy and keep making a nightly impact.
Marcus Smart proved he’s the Los Angeles Lakers vocal leader by getting a technical foul against the Pacers, despite not being in uniform. The veteran guard is known for bringing toughness, physicality, and energy. He has helped Deandre Ayton lock in and is making sure LA plays their best basketball down the stretch.
Smart is always fighting for his guys. This could be a special season, and the veteran will play a key role in that. Fans will keep seeing his impact, so stay tuned.