Marcus Smart’s Late Mistake Nearly Costs Lakers Win Over Spurs

LOS ANGELES — What should have been a routine inbound play turned into a near-disaster for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. With 1.2 seconds remaining and a two-point lead, veteran guard Marcus Smart stepped on the end line while trying to inbound the ball, handing the Spurs one final opportunity to tie or win the game.

The mistake nearly proved costly. San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie was fouled on a cut toward the basket with just 0.2 seconds left, giving him two free throws and a chance to force overtime. Champagnie missed the first and intentionally missed the second, but Keldon Johnson’s last-ditch tip-in fell short as time expired, allowing the Lakers to escape with a narrow 118–116 victory.

The tense finish overshadowed what had been another strong night for Los Angeles, which extended its winning streak to five games and improved to 7–2 on the season. Luka Dončić carried the load offensively, leading the Lakers with 35 points, 13 assists, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals, stepping up with LeBron James (right sciatica) and Austin Reaves (sore groin) sidelined.

After the final buzzer, Smart didn’t shy away from responsibility. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “They said I stepped over the line. You see that play all the time — guys get the ball out fast, their foot might be over the line a little, but it’s not called. Still, as a 12-year vet, I can’t make that mistake.”

1. Smart Takes Accountability

Marcus Smart, known for his defensive grit and leadership, admitted the miscue was unacceptable at such a critical moment. “We had a guy wide open,” Smart said. “If I make that pass cleanly, the game’s over. That call changes everything, and that’s on me.” Smart finished with a productive all-around performance — 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while hitting all 10 of his free throws — but his late error threatened to overshadow his contributions. The inbounds violation gave the Spurs a chance they hadn’t earned, setting up the dramatic closing sequence. “I take full ownership of it,” Smart added. “My teammates will joke with me about it, but it’ll never happen again. You learn from it and move on.” The 12-year veteran’s willingness to accept responsibility reflected the professionalism and accountability that have long defined his career. Teammates and coaches were quick to back Smart after the game, emphasizing his leadership and energy as essential components of the Lakers’ recent surge. “He’s been everything for us on the defensive end,” coach Darvin Ham said. “You live with one mistake when a guy brings that much intensity night in and night out.”

2. Dončić Leads Shorthanded Lakers

While Smart’s mistake drew attention, it was Luka Dončić who anchored the Lakers’ win with another near-triple-double performance. Without LeBron and Reaves, Dončić shouldered the offensive burden, dissecting the Spurs’ defense with precision passing and timely scoring. His 35 points and 13 assists were pivotal as Los Angeles maintained its composure despite late-game turbulence. “The energy Marcus brings really fuels us,” Dončić said afterward. “He does things defensively I’ve never seen — diving for balls, directing traffic, leading vocally. Having him on this team is unbelievable.” The star guard’s comments underscored the strong chemistry developing between the Lakers’ veterans and newcomers. The team’s depth was also on display. Rui Hachimura added steady scoring support, while the bench contributed timely minutes to help offset the absences of key starters. The Lakers’ ability to adapt and maintain their defensive intensity has become a defining trait early in the season. Even in a game marred by small mistakes, Los Angeles found ways to close it out — a mark of growing maturity in a roster blending experience with emerging talent.

3. Lessons from a Close Call

The Lakers’ narrow escape offered a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the NBA. A single step over the line nearly unraveled a strong performance, but it also served as a learning moment for a team with championship aspirations. For Smart, the miscue was both humbling and motivating. Known for his intensity and high basketball IQ, he acknowledged that even seasoned veterans aren’t immune to mental lapses under pressure. “It’s one of those moments you wish you could take back,” he said, “but it just pushes me to lock in even more next time.” Los Angeles, meanwhile, continues to trend upward despite ongoing injuries. With James and Reaves expected to return soon, the Lakers appear to be finding their rhythm early in the campaign, blending elite defense with unselfish playmaking. A fifth straight win — however unsteady the finish — reinforced the team’s resilience and unity. For Smart and the Lakers, Wednesday’s close call was less a setback and more a reminder of the thin line between composure and chaos in crunch time.