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

Marcus Smart's Inbounding Error Nearly Costs Lakers

In a close game against the Spurs, the Lakers held a two-point lead with just 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. At that moment, Marcus Smart made a crucial inbounding mistake that almost turned the tide against Los Angeles.

The Mistake

Smart stepped on the end line while attempting to inbound the ball to Rui Hachimura, which resulted in a turnover and gave the Spurs possession. This error put the Lakers in a precarious position during the final seconds of the game.

Final Moments of the Game

With 0.2 seconds left, Julian Champagnie was fouled by Lakers forward Jake LaRavia while cutting toward the basket. Champagnie missed his first free throw and intentionally missed the second in hopes of creating a tip-in, but the Lakers managed to hold on for a 118-116 victory.

Smart's Reaction

“I couldn't believe it,” Smart said. “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, 5 assists, and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. He believes that a clean pass to Hachimura could have allowed the clock to run out without the Spurs having time to foul.

Game Outcome

Despite the error, the Lakers secured the 118-116 win, maintaining their composure in a tense finish.

Author’s summary: Marcus Smart admitted to a late inbounding error that almost cost the Lakers their win, but they held on to beat the Spurs 118-116 in a nail-biter.

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

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