If an uninformed fan were to judge Marcus Smart based solely on his numbers, he might conclude that Smart is just another role player for the Los Angeles Lakers. But he has played a key role in the team’s recent nine-game winning streak, and they missed him when he missed Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons with right ankle soreness.
Smart is a great defender, even if he doesn’t make a ton of steals or blocks, and while his shooting percentage is low on offense, he’s made some key shots for the Lakers. They could have taken advantage of his defense on Monday when sophomore guard Daniss Jenkins, who until recently was on a two-way contract, averaged eight points per game on Monday with 30 points and eight assists.
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Head coach Redick made it clear that Smart’s absence came at a high cost in Monday’s game, as the Lakers lost their winning streak by three points.
“Not having Smart killed us tonight,” Redick said. “…The way our team operates, you need Smart to run the ball. You need Smart to defend.”
Linebacker Austin Reeves agreed.
“As we all know, Marcus is a huge glue guy for us,” Reeves said. “The way he plays, being unselfish, guarding the best player on every team, that’s what he does. When you don’t have that, it sucks.”
This season, Smart is averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Since the beginning of January, he has shot 36.3% from three-point range. His total plus-minus is as high as 238, which leads the team, and he has a net rating of 6.4 when he is on the court. Under Smart’s leadership, the Lakers’ defensive efficiency was 110.9, but when he is not on the court this season, the Lakers’ defensive efficiency has dropped to 117.7.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said Smart is dealing with an ankle ailment and hip issues on a day-to-day basis. The Lakers will conclude a six-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick, Austin Reaves on Lakers without Marcus Smart vs. Pistons
