Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 107-98 first-round playoff series victory against the Houston Rockets, Marcus Smart highlighted how LeBron James shouldered and guided the team in the absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Speaking at a postgame media session, Smart said, “First of, it's just his IQ, right? You know, he picks and chooses when to exert energy, and he knows when to exert energy. But I think it just speaks value to who he is and who he's always been. A leader. He instills trust in his guys. The word we're using now is elevate. He elevates us.”

“To see a guy of his status being able to turn down shots to get other guys going. And then, like I said, picking and choosing when it is his time. It just, you know, it helps us a lot, and it just shows his greatness,” Marcus Smart added.

His comment came after LeBronJames finished Saturday night’s win with 19 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds, while distributing eight assists in the opening quarter alone, a playoff career-high for any single quarter of his career.

The win put the Los Angeles Lakers up 1-0 in their first-round series, a result few expected after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both entered the postseason sidelined with injuries.

Having said that, Smart was not just a commentator on the night, as he contributed 15 points, 8 assists, and 4 three-pointers, stepping into the primary playmaking role alongside James.

However, Luke Kennard was the game’s breakout performer, scoring a playoff career-high 27 points on 9-for-13 shooting, with all five Lakers starters finishing in double digits.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Game 1 Playoff Result

The Lakers shot 60.6% from the field to Houston’s 37.6%, controlling the game despite attempting just 66 field goals, the fewest in any NBA contest over the past three seasons.

Kevin Durant, for his part, was a late scratch for the Rockets with a bruised right knee, evening out a shorthanded matchup on both sides.

And while Alperen Sengun led Houston with 19 points, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard each added 17.

The Rockets outscored the Lakers 23-6 in second-chance points, but could not sustain their runs against the Lakers’ smothering defense.

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Arvind Rao