Marcus Smart goes full LeBron James with a chasedown block
The Los Angeles Lakers were looking for their third straight win as they hosted the Miami Heat at Cripto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Lakers used a well-balanced offense to a double-digit lead, 77-63, at halftime. Five players — Luka Doncic, Austin Reeves, Rui Hachimura, Jackson Hayes and Jake Laravia — have already scored at least 10 points.
Marcus Smartfor his part, he made his presence felt the way he does best: playing defense.
With 8:30 left in the second quarter, the Heat went to the break looking for a quick bucket. Jaime Jaquez Jr. looked like he had a clear position, but Smart ran over him for the chased block.
Somewhere out there, LeBron James was nodding in approval.
It was an impressive effort from the 31-year-old Smart, who the Lakers acquired in the offseason to shore up their defense. The veteran running back responded with his well-known strength, which made him the Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive First Team member.
While Smart, who signed a two-year, $11 million contract, has been hampered by injuries in recent years, he remains one of the best players in the league.
He and Gabe Vincent could combine to disrupt the opposing team’s backcourt, a part coach JJ Redick loves.
The Lakers are still without LeBron James, who is nursing a sciatica injury. Deandre Ayton also sat down against heat due to spasms in the back.
At the time of writing, Los Angeles still leads Miami in the third quarter.
2025-11-03 04:19:00
