Marcus Smart is fueling the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff charge while stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain sidelined. Despite their injuries, Smart credits his teammates' vocal leadership from the bench for the team's commanding series lead.

Following the Game 2 lead of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets, Marcus candidly pointed to the emotional and mental support Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves provide.

Smart said, ”I’m looking at them on the bench when I do something. Then I’m getting their input. Their spirits are high. They’re coaching us. They’re over there cheering us on. When you’ve got those guys doing that even though they’re out, it helps the spirit a lot.”

The gap left by the injury became a chance to lead. Even though Austin Reaves wasn't there, Smart stepped in with confidence.

Reaves scored an average of 23.3 points per game, which was a career high, and he had a big 5.0-point difference per 100 possessions. But Smart's leadership and play on the court quickly filled the gap.

Smart has performed at a high level throughout the playoffs. He averaged 20.3 points and 8.3 assists on great shooting splits, which showed how tough the team was.

Luke Kennard scored 21.3 points, and together they showed the "locked-in" mindset that Smart talked about.

These small but crucial efforts often go unnoticed by fans but are vital within the team structure.

Reaves and Doncic are expected to return soon, but till then, Smart and James are leading the team.

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 3-0 lead against the Houston

The Lakers secured their win in Game 3 with 112-108 in overtime to claim a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first round of the playoffs.

LeBron James stepped up in the absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are injured, and scored 29 points and 13 rebounds.

James scored with 13 seconds remaining and almost sealed the win with a three-pointer on the buzzer. Marcus also hit a double-double, scoring eight of his 21 points in overtime and adding 10 assists to the team.

Smart was impressed by the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James, the iconic player, since Game 1 of the playoffs.

“He elevates us. He just puts everybody in position. He picks and chooses when to exert energy,” Smart said.

Smart described how playing alongside a veteran like James simply makes things easy. James' influence was very strong not only till stats, but also towards leadership and teamwork. 

The Rockets will host Game 4 on April 27, 2026, and have to win; however, no team in the NBA has been able to overcome a 0-3 deficit.

Who will win Game 4 of Lakers vs. the Houston Rockets? Comment down!

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Utsav Gupta