Lakers Guard Marcus Smart Fined $35K for Obscene Gesture
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The NBA has issued a $35,000 fine to Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart for making an obscene gesture toward a game official, the league announced Saturday.
According to the league, Smart directed a middle-finger salute at the officiating crew during halftime of the Lakers’ victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
Smart, 31, is in his first season with Los Angeles after signing a two-year, $10.5 million deal over the summer. Through 17 games, he is averaging 10.6 points, 2.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 27.2 minutes while shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 33.0 percent from three-point range and 91.7 percent at the foul line.
Advanced metrics show the Lakers outscoring opponents by 8.5 points per 100 possessions when Smart is on the floor, compared with a 2.8-point deficit when he sits, driven largely by improved defense.
Smart joined the Lakers after reaching a buyout with the Washington Wizards, who will carry $14.8 million in dead money on their 2025-26 salary cap as part of that agreement.
Source: Hoops Rumors
