Marcus Smart Owns Inbounding Error as Lakers Secure Narrow Win
The Los Angeles Lakers held a slim two-point lead against the San Antonio Spurs with just 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday, maintaining possession of the ball. During this tense moment, Marcus Smart made an inbounding error that almost cost the Lakers the game.
Smart stepped on the end line while attempting to pass the ball to Rui Hachimura, resulting in a turnover and giving possession to the Spurs. With only 0.2 seconds remaining, Julian Champagnie was fouled as he drove toward the basket by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia.
Champagnie missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second to try creating a buzzer-beater tip-in opportunity, but the Lakers managed to hold on and win 118-116.
"I couldn't believe it," Smart admitted. "When I released the ball, they said I stepped over [the line]. I'm like, we see the play all the time when a guy gets the ball out quick and his leg is [hovering past the line] and he still inbounds it and throws the ball in and there is no call."
Smart finished the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, going a perfect 10-for-10 on free throws. He noted that had the pass to Hachimura been made cleanly, the clock likely would have run out before the Spurs could foul again.
Game Summary
- Lakers won 118-116 despite a key inbounding mistake by Smart.
- Turnover occurred due to Smart stepping on the end line.
- Final free throw sequence allowed Spurs a last chance but failed to change the game's outcome.
- Smart's performance: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 10-for-10 free throws.
Author's Conclusion
Marcus Smart's error added late-game drama, but his poise and the Lakers' resilience ensured a hard-fought victory.