The Los Angeles Lakers finally got Marcus Smart back after a nine-game absence, and the 101-73 win over the shorthanded Phoenix Suns proved that the franchise has enough ball-handling. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are unlikely to play in the first round of the playoffs. Without their two best scorers, fans immediately worried, but back-to-back wins restored some hope. Smart is doing more offensive creating and gives the Lakers a puncher’s chance.
Smart was on a minute’s limit in his return, but that didn’t stop him. Smart finished with six points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block in 18 minutes. He missed both of his 3-point attempts, but the Lakers have plenty of shot creation, especially after Luke Kennard’s transformation.
The injuries completely changed LA’s season. The Lakers looked like serious title threats in March, but things unraveled when Luka and AR were both injured in the same contest. They went from elite shot creation to wondering who will be the primary when LeBron James heads to the bench. Smart immediately gave them the answer
Marcus Smart solves the Lakers' ball-handling woes
The 32-year-old spent nine years in Boston, where he primarily played point guard. Smart isn’t shying away from his new role in LA. The Lakers don’t have Luka and Reaves and can’t replace them. It will be a by-committee approach. LeBron, Kennard, and Smart give head coach JJ Redick three strong options to lead the way.
LeBron is Los Angeles’ number one option and keeps turning back the clock. The 41-year-old is the team’s alpha. Credit to coach Redick for getting creative in feeding King James. LBJ is posting up, setting screens, and going to work any mismatch. That elite level shouldn’t be possible at his age, especially with defenses keying on him. It takes finding way to get him the ball with an advantage.
Smart is capable of being the lead creator. That is exactly what the Lakers need without Doncic and Reaves. The veteran can bring the ball up the floor and make plays. Smart must get the rest of the team involved and find ways for the purple and gold to score.
Fans know Smart is a leader and stout defender. He has brought that all season. This was Smart’s first game where shot creation was needed. The 6’3 guard instantly helped and will keep getting more run. His versatility and defensive impact are exactly why Luka recruited him to the Lakers.
Smart had plenty of rust and was on a minute’s restriction. Fans knew that would be the case. Expect him to work his way back and be fully ramped up for the playoffs. Los Angeles needs him, and Smart immediately delivered exactly what was necessary.
The Los Angeles Lakers are guaranteed to be in the top four in the West after defeating the Suns and watching the Rockets lose to the Timberwolves. LA can still grab the third seed if they win on Sunday and the Nuggets lose.
The two-game win streak has restored some hope, and things just got better with Smart’s statement game. The Lakers aren’t winning it all, but don’t count them out. Things are trending back up after last week’s nightmare. That is all fans can hope for, especially after their two best scorers were injured. Credit Smart for making an immediate impact and helping the team win.