The Los Angeles Lakers were routed at home by the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, and veteran guard Marcus Smart said postgame that the team’s focus on officiating complaints is hurting more than any missed whistles.
“It definitely doesn’t help,” Smart told reporters after the 135-point defensive letdown at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2026. “When you think you got fouled, instead of getting back, we’re talking to the officials a lot. We have to adapt. The calls aren’t coming for us, and that’s OK. We’ve got to play on.”
League-wide foul totals have dipped in recent weeks as referees allow more contact. Smart, a two-time All-Defensive Team selection, urged the Lakers to match that physicality—even if it means committing more fouls themselves. “We just got to start fouling,” he said. “They can’t call them all. The toughest team sets the rules. We have to stay aggressive whether they call it or not.”
Smart’s approach contrasts with the reaction of stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, who were visibly frustrated by non-calls throughout the night. Outside of Smart, the Lakers’ roster lacks players accustomed to the increased physical style, making in-game adjustments more difficult.
Redick pinpoints defensive breakdowns
Head coach JJ Redick said Charlotte’s downhill attack and hot shooting exposed Los Angeles’ perimeter defense. “Against teams that have dynamic drivers, we can be a little cautious guarding the ball,” Redick explained. “If we get beat off the dribble, then we’re in rotation, and our low man was awful all night.”
The Hornets, who recently put up 150 points on the Utah Jazz and routed the Oklahoma City Thunder, converted a series of contested shots in a decisive third quarter. “That could have been really deflating for our team, and it wasn’t—we kept fighting,” Redick added. “But it was another team having a hot shooting night.”
Los Angeles now turns its attention to matching opponents’ physical standards while limiting defensive lapses, an adjustment Smart insists must begin with fewer arguments and quicker retreats on defense.
Source: LakersNation.com
