Marcus Smart, Lakers
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Marcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks.
Marcus Smart has built an NBA career on toughness, instincts and an unwillingness to back down from pain. On Saturday night in Dallas, that reputation was tested again — and reinforced.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard revealed after the team’s gritty 116–110 road win over the Dallas Mavericks that he dislocated a finger he previously had surgically repaired — then popped it back into place himself to stay in the game.
“My finger popped out again, so I had to put it back in,” Smart told reporters. “It was the one I had surgically [repaired], so it was a little scary. But I’ll be all right.”
Smart laughed as he recounted the moment.
“I was like, ‘I don’t want to come out of the game,’” he said. “Try to pop it back in real quick — and if not, then I’ll come out. But I was able to go back in. It’s part of the game. It’s who I am.”
Marcus Smart Injury Update: Lakers Guard Plays Through Dislocated Finger
The injury occurred on a familiar type of play for Smart — reading the floor, jumping a passing lane and creating chaos on defense.
As the Mavericks pushed in transition, Smart anticipated a pass from rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, darted into the lane and deflected the ball. In the process, his finger popped out of place.
Rather than signaling to the bench, Smart reset the finger himself and stayed on the floor — a sequence emblematic of the edge Los Angeles has leaned on throughout its road trip.
“I trust my instincts,” Smart said. “I trust my work and my athleticism. Sometimes my athleticism gets underestimated, but that works to my advantage.”
Elite Defense: Smart Shuts Down Mavericks’ Wings
Smart’s impact went well beyond toughness.
When he was the primary defender, Flagg was limited to just one field-goal attempt. Naji Marshall and Max Christie combined to shoot 2-for-6 against Smart, who contested eight Mavericks shots overall.
For a Lakers team that has struggled at times containing dribble penetration and wing scoring, Smart’s defensive presence was decisive.
Big Plays, Bigger Presence in Lakers Win Over Mavericks
The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks in just over 32 minutes, helping the Lakers close out a physical road win.
He shot 4-of-10 from the field and 2-of-4 from three, while anchoring defensive possessions late as Dallas attempted to rally.
With Austin Reaves sidelined by a calf injury, Smart has taken on a heavier role in the backcourt — and embraced it.
Lakers Lean on Smart Amid Injuries and Road Trip Grind
Saturday marked Smart’s 34th appearance and 27th start of the season. He’s averaging just over 28 minutes per game, producing: 10.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 40.6% from the field, 32.8% from three, and 86.7% from the line.
It’s his most productive season since 2022-23, when he was still in Boston.
Marcus Smart’s Impact Shows Up Where It Matters Most
The Lakers are 21–14 in games Smart plays, and his impact is clear in the advanced metrics.
Smart leads the team in plus-minus at +71, ahead of Reaves (+57), Luka Dončić (+29) and Maxi Kleber (+29).
For a team searching for consistency during a demanding eight-game road trip, Smart’s ability to play through pain and lock down opposing wings has become foundational.
“I want to help my team any way I can,” Smart said. “Whether I’ve got 10 fingers or nine.”
Toughness Sets the Tone for Lakers’ Road Push
The Lakers still have work to do on the road, but performances like Smart’s in Dallas underline the identity Los Angeles is trying to establish — one built on grit, accountability and defensive edge.
On a night when his finger wouldn’t stay in place, Smart did — refusing to leave the floor as the Lakers secured one of their most complete road wins of the season.