The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Miami Heat and secured a key victory in the NBA season, winning 130-120 against a team that could be a direct rival if fully healthy. Several pivotal moments defined the game, and Luka Doncic recognized the impact of Bronny James and Marcus Smart in the win.
In his postgame press conference, Doncic highlighted the defensive energy and impact of Bronny James and veteran Marcus Smart. Speaking about Bronny, Luka said:
“He was great. In those kinds of moments, you never know if you’re gonna play or not. He was ready, and that means a lot to us, and he was ready to go at the right moment. So he played great today, he was great defensively. And we expect him to do that, and it was amazing.”
Bronny played a season-high 18 minutes, including a key stretch in the fourth quarter as head coach JJ Redick trusted the 21-year-old to help close the game. He finished with two points, two assists, and three steals, and his defensive intensity drew praise from fans and teammates alike.
Praise also goes to Marcus Smart
While Bronny’s rise was one of the night’s storylines, Doncic also reserved special praise for Marcus Smart, the Lakers’ defensive anchor. “It’s unbelievable impact. I play against this guy a lot. He was always guarding me, so I know how I feel for the other team. So I’m glad he’s on my team, and the impact he has, it’s unbelievable. He’s been hustling every game, every moment, every minute, every second, so props to him.”
Smart delivered another gritty all-around performance, finishing with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. His defensive instincts and vocal leadership continue to define the Lakers’ identity, especially in LeBron James’ ongoing absence.
Smart’s numbers
Through seven NBA games, Smart is averaging 9.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27 minutes per contest, proving that his value extends far beyond the box score.