Marcus Smart Believes Lakers Are Closer Than Score Showed Against Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers walked away from Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series with a disappointing 108-90 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. However, veteran guard Marcus Smart viewed the defeat differently than the final score suggested. While the Thunder secured a commanding opener at home, Smart believes the Lakers showed enough flashes to remain confident heading into Game 2.

Without Luka Doncic available for the series, the Lakers have relied heavily on their experienced core, especially Smart and LeBron James. Smart embraced a larger role during Los Angeles’ first-round victory over the Houston Rockets, producing key scoring performances that helped the Lakers advance in five games. Now, he sees another opportunity to prove himself on a postseason stage.

The 12-year veteran admitted the playoff run has reminded him that he still belongs among impactful contributors in high-pressure basketball. Playing alongside James, after years of competing against him, has provided Smart with renewed motivation and confidence during a crucial stretch of the postseason.

Even after Oklahoma City controlled much of the second half in Game 1, Smart remained optimistic about the Lakers’ chances. He believes the team’s defensive effort and overall approach showed promise, even if missed shots and small breakdowns prevented them from fully capitalizing.

1. Smart Embraces Leadership Role

Marcus Smart entered the postseason with something to prove after many teams overlooked him during free agency last summer. Since joining the Lakers, he has steadily carved out an important role, especially with the roster dealing with injuries and missing offensive firepower. Against Houston in the opening round, Smart delivered two major scoring performances with 25 and 21 points in Games 2 and 3. Those efforts helped the Lakers seize control of the series early and eventually eliminate the Rockets in five games. His production gave Los Angeles needed balance alongside James. Smart said the playoff experience has reinforced his belief in his own abilities. After years of battling deep into the postseason with previous teams, he welcomed the opportunity to return to meaningful basketball and compete beside one of the league’s greatest players. He also emphasized that the Lakers are far from satisfied simply reaching the second round. Smart believes the team still has another level to reach and sees the matchup against the defending champions as an opportunity to showcase their resilience and competitiveness.

2. Lakers Encouraged Despite Game 1 Loss

Although the Thunder eventually pulled away, the Lakers remained within striking distance for much of the game. In the third quarter, Rui Hachimura connected on a three-pointer that trimmed Oklahoma City’s lead to seven points and briefly shifted momentum toward Los Angeles. The Thunder quickly answered with a strong response, rebuilding their advantage before the Lakers managed several smaller rallies. Los Angeles repeatedly cut the deficit to within six to eight points but could never fully erase the gap after halftime. Oklahoma City eventually carried an 84-72 lead into the fourth quarter and closed the game comfortably. Even so, Smart said the Lakers identified several positive signs within the loss. He pointed to stretches where the offense generated quality looks and the defense effectively executed the game plan. According to Smart, missed opportunities and late rotations proved more damaging than any major strategic flaw. The veteran guard believes those mistakes are correctable. Instead of feeling discouraged by the final margin, Smart said the Lakers left the floor convinced they were close to finding the rhythm necessary to seriously challenge Oklahoma City in the remainder of the series.

3. Defensive Effort Gives Lakers Confidence

One of the biggest positives for the Lakers came from their defensive approach against reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Los Angeles committed significant attention to limiting the Thunder star’s space and forcing difficult possessions throughout the night. The strategy worked reasonably well. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting and committed seven turnovers, marking one of his least productive games of the season. It was also the first time since May 2025 that he failed to score at least 20 points in a game. Smart praised the team’s defensive intensity after the game, noting that the Lakers largely executed their plan against one of the NBA’s most explosive offenses. He acknowledged that Oklahoma City would inevitably make difficult shots and momentum-changing plays but stressed that Los Angeles cannot allow those moments to disrupt its focus. The larger issue for the Lakers was offensive inconsistency. Smart scored 12 points but shot just 4-for-15 from the field, while Austin Reaves struggled with eight points on 3-for-16 shooting. Smart accepted responsibility for his own performance, insisting the Lakers’ offense will improve if players continue taking quality shots with confidence.