The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110-101 on Tuesday night as Marcus Smart’s defense made sure they survived a poor shooting night. LA convinced the former Defensive Player of the Year to sign with the purple and gold after his offseason buyout from the Wizards. They knew they needed defense, and Smart showed exactly why it was a genius move in this contest.
The Lakers shot just 30 percent from 3-point range and had 21 turnovers against the Pelicans. It looked like a certain loss in the fourth quarter, but Los Angeles stormed back. It was the defense that kept them in the game and helped them win in the late stages. Smart led the defensive charge with seven combined steals and blocks. It was exactly what LA needs to win the biggest games as currently constructed.
Fans have seen Smart’s impact throughout the season. Head coach JJ Redick inserted him into the starting lineup in late February as everyone got healthy. The group is finally finding their rhythm, and Smart keeps playing a crucial role.
Marcus Smart signing keeps getting better for the Lakers
Smart finished with ten points, seven assists, three rebounds, four steals, and three blocks against the Pelicans on Tuesday night. He sank a crucial fourth-quarter 3-pointer to ensure the Lakers won. The purple and gold outscored New Orleans by 13 points in his 30 minutes in a nine-point victory.
Marcus. CLUTCH pic.twitter.com/VMzszZSfyp
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 4, 2026
Smart’s defense was massive. He has had 11 steals during this three-game winning streak and appears to be finding his groove with the Lakers. LA doesn’t need him to run the offense. They have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves to handle the scoring and playmaking. Smart has to do the dirty work, sink open jumpers, and be an impactful defender. He certainly delivered in this one.
Smart is a veteran who can impact the game with more than his on-court production. The Lakers need him to be a leader and talk defensively. Los Angeles looked connected, especially late, against the Pelicans. They need Smart keeping everyone locked in, and his biggest impact could be making sure Deandre Ayton is engaged.
The Los Angeles Lakers wouldn’t have defeated the Pelicans without Marcus Smart. They needed his defense and clutch scoring to walk away with the victory. New Orleans may be headed for the lottery, but they did not roll over at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers had to earn it on Tuesday night, and credit to Marcus Smart for helping to lead the charge.
Luka Doncic had a 27-point double-double, but this was Smart’s night. He deserved the game ball for his defense, energy, and key playmaking.
That is exactly what what the Lakers need if they are going to compete with the NBA’s elite. Smart raises their ceiling, but the purple and gold need this version of the guard every night. Hopefully, this is just the start for the veteran. If so, something could be cooking in Los Angeles.