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

Marcus Smart Takes Responsibility for Inbounding Error in Lakers' Narrow Win

The Lakers held a slim two-point lead against the Spurs with 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday and had possession of the ball. However, Marcus Smart made a costly mistake that almost swung the outcome.

Smart stepped on the end line while attempting an inbounds pass to Rui Hachimura, resulting in a turnover and giving the Spurs a chance to score.

Final Moments of the Game

With just 0.2 seconds remaining, Julian Champagnie was fouled as he drove to the basket by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia. Champagnie missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second, aiming for a tip-in at the buzzer. Despite this, Los Angeles managed to hold on for a 118-116 victory.

Smart’s Reaction

“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 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 he completed the pass cleanly, the game clock would have expired before the Spurs could foul him.

Game Summary

Author’s Summary: Marcus Smart accepted full responsibility for a critical inbounding error that nearly cost the Lakers their win, demonstrating accountability despite securing a narrow victory.

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

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