This Marcus Smart stat will shock Lakers fans originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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After falling to the New York Knicks Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers entered Tuesday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets looking to get back in the win column.
Luckily for head coach JJ Redick, Austin Reaves returned to action for the first time in 19 games after rehabbing a calf injury.
He scored 15 points off the bench in 21 minutes on 3-for-9 shooting from the field.
Luka Doncic and LeBron James shouldered most of the scoring load, combining for 49 points. Jake LaRavia also impressed with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
That said, one of Los Angeles’ strongest performers this season isn’t known for his scoring. Although he scored just six points Tuesday, Marcus Smart led the team with a plus/minus of +30.
This continues an impactful campaign from Smart in his first season with the Lakers, as he leads the team in plus/minus nearing the All-Star break.
Smart’s health has been especially encouraging, having appeared in 39 games for Los Angeles, 32 of which have been starts.
In the previous two seasons, Smart battled numerous injuries, playing in 34 total games last season and only 20 in the 2023-24 campaign.
With the win, Los Angeles ends their eight-game road trip 5-3, with their only losses coming against the Clippers, Cavaliers and Knicks.
The Lakers will return to action again Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. This will mark the first game of an eight-game home stand.
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