Marcus Smart Admits Inbounding Error in Lakers’ Narrow Win
In a tense matchup Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers held a slim two-point lead over the San Antonio Spurs with 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Possession was with the Lakers when Marcus Smart made a critical mistake during an inbound pass attempt.
Smart stepped on the end line while trying to pass to teammate Rui Hachimura, which resulted in a turnover and gave the Spurs another chance.
In the final moments, Spurs’ Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia with just 0.2 seconds left. Champagnie missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second in hopes of securing a tip-in at the buzzer, but the Lakers managed to maintain their 118-116 lead.
Smart Takes Responsibility
"I couldn't believe it," Smart said. "I think when I released the ball, they said I stepped over [the line]. I'm like, we see the play all the time when a guy gets the ball out quick and his leg is [hovering past the line] and he still inbounds it and he throws the ball in and there is no call."
Smart, who ended the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists — including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line — believed that if he had made a clean pass, the clock would have run out without the Spurs having time to foul.
Game Summary
- Lakers won 118-116 over the Spurs.
- Critical inbounding error by Marcus Smart nearly shifted the game.
- Spurs had a foul opportunity in the final seconds but failed to capitalize.
Author’s Summary
Marcus Smart’s late misstep nearly cost the Lakers a victory, but his strong overall performance helped secure the 118-116 win against the Spurs.