Marcus Smart Sets New Lakers Playoff Record as Los Angeles Moves to 3-0
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HOUSTON — Marcus Smart joined the Los Angeles Lakers last summer with questions surrounding his health, age and recent absence from postseason basketball. Three games into the 2026 NBA Playoffs, those doubts have vanished.
The 32-year-old guard delivered 25 points, seven assists and five steals on 8-for-13 shooting — including 5-for-7 from three-point range — in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets. He followed that effort in Game 3 with 21 points, five steals, two blocks and a second double-digit tally in another category, spearheading a last-minute rally that pushed Los Angeles to an overtime victory.
By reaching at least 20 points and five steals in consecutive playoff outings, Smart became the first player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. The Lakers, a team defined by generations of Hall of Famers, had never recorded that statistical pairing in back-to-back postseason games.
Playoff Averages and Impact
Through three contests, Smart is averaging 20.3 points, 8.3 assists, 3.7 steals and 1.7 blocks while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. His production has helped the Lakers secure a 3-0 series lead over Houston, placing them one win from the Western Conference semifinals.
“Growing up, you imagine playing in games like this,” Smart said after Game 3, reflecting on missing the playoffs the past two seasons. “Being back, it feels amazing.”
Future Considerations
Smart holds a player option for next season; declining it would make him an unrestricted free agent. For now, contract decisions remain on hold as Los Angeles focuses on closing out the first-round series.
Redick Applauds Veterans
Head coach JJ Redick praised Smart and LeBron James for late-game execution that flipped Game 3 from an expected loss to an improbable win. Redick said the duo’s shot-making and defensive plays positioned the Lakers to pursue a sweep when the series returns to Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
