Marcus Smart is known for playing with fire - the kind of edge that can ignite a team or, occasionally, draw the league’s attention. This time, it’s the latter.
The NBA has fined the Lakers guard $35,000 for making an obscene gesture toward an official during Thursday night’s high-scoring win over the Utah Jazz. The announcement came Saturday from NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones.
The incident reportedly took place as Smart was heading to the locker room at halftime. It didn’t go unnoticed, and the league acted swiftly. For a player who’s built his reputation on defensive tenacity and emotional intensity, this is a reminder that the line between passion and penalty can be thin - and expensive.
Still, Smart’s impact on the court has been undeniable. Against the Jazz, he poured in 17 points and knocked down five triples, helping the Lakers secure a 143-135 win in Salt Lake City. That kind of offensive contribution is exactly what L.A. was hoping for when it brought him in on a two-year, $11 million deal - a move driven primarily by his defensive pedigree, but with the understanding that he could chip in on offense when needed.
Through 17 games this season, Smart is shooting 43.1% from the field - a notable uptick from his career average of 38.9%. It's not just the numbers, though. It’s the timing of his buckets, the floor spacing his shooting provides, and the veteran presence he brings to a Lakers squad that’s looking to build sustainable depth behind its stars.
Now 31, Smart was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 draft and has long been respected for his ability to anchor a defense. But if he can keep delivering offensive spurts like he did against Utah, the Lakers’ supporting cast suddenly looks a lot more dangerous - and a lot more balanced.
The Lakers, sitting at 19-7, are trending in the right direction. And while Smart’s fine may sting, he’ll have a chance to channel that fire into something productive when the Lakers take on the struggling Clippers (6-21) at the Intuit Dome.
Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET in what should be a high-energy crosstown clash.
For L.A., the mission is clear: keep the momentum rolling, keep emotions in check, and keep leaning on veterans like Smart to help do the heavy lifting - on both ends of the floor.