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

Marcus Smart Admits Inbounding Error

The Lakers held a narrow 118-116 lead over the Spurs with just 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter when Marcus Smart made a costly mistake. While attempting an inbound pass to Rui Hachimura, Smart stepped on the end line, resulting in a turnover. This gave possession to the Spurs and nearly changed the outcome of the game.

Crucial Moments in the Final Seconds

Following the turnover, Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia with only 0.2 seconds remaining. Champagnie missed the first free throw and purposely missed the second in hopes of a buzzer-beating tip-in, but Los Angeles managed to hold on for the win.

Smart’s Reaction to the Mistake

"I couldn't believe it," Smart said. "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 he throws the ball in and there is no call."

Smart finished the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, going a perfect 10-for-10 on free throws. He believed that if his inbound pass had been clean, the game clock would have run out without the Spurs getting a chance to foul him.

Summary

Marcus Smart acknowledged that his inbounding error nearly cost the Lakers the win, but the team managed to preserve their victory in a tense finish.

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

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