The Los Angeles Lakers may have found the missing piece for their playoff push, and that piece is Marcus Smart. Head coach JJ Redick finally made a major lineup change by placing Smart in the starting five, and the move immediately paid off as the Lakers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 125-122 to begin the final stretch of the season.
With only a limited number of games left after the All-Star break, every win matters. The new lineup showed strong balance on both ends of the floor, with Smart’s defense and energy adding a new dimension to the team.
New Starting Lineup Finally Takes Shape
For the first time, the Lakers started a lineup featuring:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Guard | Luka Doncic |
| Guard | Austin Reaves |
| Forward | LeBron James |
| Forward | Marcus Smart |
| Center | Deandre Ayton |
This unit had played very few minutes together earlier in the season due to injuries. With everyone finally healthy, the coaching staff chose defense and toughness over size and shooting.
The result was immediate. The Lakers exploded for 41 points in the first quarter, hitting eight three-pointers and setting the tone for the game.
Why Marcus Smart Was the Right Choice
Defensive Identity
The Lakers needed:
- Strong perimeter defense
- Energy and leadership
- A player who could do the small things
Smart brings all three.
His presence helped:
- Improve defensive intensity
- Keep the ball moving offensively
- Set the tone for effort and physical play
Coaches and teammates believe his mindset is crucial for a team preparing for high-pressure games.
Performance vs Clippers: Small Numbers, Big Impact
Marcus Smart’s stat line was modest, but his impact came at key moments.
Marcus Smart Game Stats
| Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Points | 7 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Blocks | 1 |
Key moment:
- Scored five straight points in the fourth quarter to tie the game
- Delivered clutch plays despite taking his first shot late in the game
His timing and defensive presence helped stabilize the team during the closing minutes.
Team Performance Highlights
The Lakers’ stars also delivered strong performances:
| Player | Key Stats |
|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 38 points, 11 assists |
| Austin Reaves | 29 points |
| LeBron James | 13 points, 11 assists |
Doncic scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Lakers hold off a late Clippers comeback.
The win also came after the Lakers briefly lost a 15-point lead, showing the team’s ability to handle pressure.
Smart’s Impact Beyond the Box Score
Energy and Leadership
Smart’s presence helped:
- Increase defensive communication
- Improve team focus late in the game
- Bring toughness that the Lakers lacked earlier
Better Bench Rotation
Starting Smart allowed:
- Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard to strengthen the second unit
- More spacing for Doncic when he led bench groups
This balance gives the Lakers a deeper and more flexible rotation for the playoff race.
A Crucial Win at the Right Time
Coming out of the All-Star break:
- The Lakers have 28 games remaining
- They are fighting for playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference
- Full team health is finally giving them a chance to build momentum
The victory also split the season series between the two Los Angeles teams and showed that the new lineup can work under pressure.
Marcus Smart’s move into the starting lineup could be a turning point for the Lakers’ season. His defensive intensity, leadership, and clutch presence give the team a stronger identity as they enter the most important phase of the year. If this combination continues to perform, the Lakers may have found the balance they need to make a serious playoff run.
