NBA Disciplinary Action Against Marcus Smart
In a recent game against the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has encountered disciplinary action from the NBA, as he was penalized $35,000 for an inappropriate gesture made towards officials at halftime. This incident followed a technical foul that Smart received just prior to the conclusion of the first half during the Lakers’ narrow 143-135 victory on Thursday night.
Smart’s Performance Highlights
Smart had an impressive performance in the match, contributing 17 points along with four rebounds and making five 3-pointers out of nine attempts during his 28 minutes on the court. His recent form has been noteworthy; just a few games earlier, he recorded a personal season-best of 26 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, showcasing his ability to shoot from long range with eight successful shots from 14 attempts.
Impact of Austin Reaves’ Injury
With a key player, Austin Reaves, sidelined due to a calf injury, Smart has stepped into the starting lineup for the past two games. In his debut season with the Lakers, Smart has posted an average of 10.6 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. Before joining the Lakers, the 31-year-old had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards, following a successful nine-year run with the Boston Celtics.
Lakers’ Season Outlook
The Lakers currently hold a strong record of 19 wins and 7 losses this season. Upcoming challenges for the team include a rivalry game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, followed by another away match against the Phoenix Suns, and a Christmas Day contest against the Houston Rockets.
