Marcus Smart owns error as Lakers hold on: 'Never happen again'

Marcus Smart Owns Inbounding Error as Lakers Secure Narrow Win Over Spurs

The Lakers maintained a slim two-point lead against the Spurs with just 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on Wednesday, holding possession of the ball. However, Marcus Smart made a crucial mistake that almost cost Los Angeles the game.

Smart stepped on the end line while trying to inbound the ball to Rui Hachimura, resulting in a turnover and giving possession to the Spurs. With only 0.2 seconds left, Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia as he drove to the basket. Champagnie missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second, aiming for a buzzer-beating tip-in, but the Lakers managed to hold on and win 118-116.

Smart Acknowledges Mistake

“I couldn't believe it. I mean, 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 throws the ball in and there is no call.”

Smart finished the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and was perfect on free throws, going 10-for-10. He believed that if he had executed the inbound pass cleanly, the clock would have run out before the Spurs could have fouled him.

Game Context and Closing Moments

Author's Summary

Marcus Smart's critical inbounding error nearly cost the Lakers the game, but his team's resilience ensured a narrow 118-116 victory over the Spurs.

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ABC7 Los Angeles ABC7 Los Angeles — 2025-11-06

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