The Los Angeles Lakers took care of business against the New York Knicks on Sunday despite missing LeBron James due to left elbow and left foot injuries.
The Lakers won a hard-fought 110–97 victory and improved to 39–25. The Knicks were held under 100 points for only the second time in 13 games, underscoring the Lakers' commitment to defense.
Marcus Smart expressed the Purple and Gold's determination against New York. Although he shot poorly with 1 of 10 field goals, including 0 of 5 from three-point range, he was weak on defense.
Spectrum Sportsnet's Mike Bresnahan stressed that Smart's value may not be easily seen, but he can set the tone even without scoring. he registered a game-high plus-27 Despite only making one basket vs. the Knicks.
"Marcus Smart, 1 of 10, I don't even care about that. (Especially) when you're plus-27 despite a terrible shooting night," Bresnahan said.
"There was a lot of aggressiveness on his part, and that's why the Lakers went out and got him. They needed that toughness on the perimeter."
Marcus Smart sets the tone defensively in win over Knicks, finishing at +27 🔒@Mike_Bresnahan 'Access Sportsnet: Breaks Down His Impact on the Lakers'. pic.twitter.com/O8eoeYXjJx
- Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) 10 March 2026
The 32-year-old Smart, who also had three rebounds, four assists and two steals, faced criticism for attempting back-to-back three-pointers instead of passing the ball to James or Luka Doncic during a key stretch in Thursday's loss to the Denver Nuggets.
However, Smart never lacks confidence, even in pressure-filled moments. Bresnahan said the former Defensive Player of the Year has regained his feeling with the Lakers.
"He's healthy, and I'll keep saying that because I think he's been good for years. We didn't get to see that the last two years. He was working hard in Memphis (Grizzlies), and then he got traded to the (Washington) Wizards," Bresnahan said.
"It's good to see him healthy and playing like the old Marcus Smart on defense."
The Lakers signed Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract in the offseason. He had a slow start, but has since carved out a regular starting role due to his overall impact.
