Lakers Announce Historic Marcus Smart News After Game 3 Win Over Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers earned a thrilling 112-108 win Friday night over the Houston Rockets, overcoming a six-point deficit in the final minute to force overtime and eventually secure the victory.

Playing a key role in the comeback was two-way guard Marcus Smart, who has taken on a larger ball-handling role with both Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic sidelined due to injury.

Smart finished Game 2 with 25 points and five steals, and followed it up in Game 3 with 21 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, five steals, and two blocks. He shot 5-for-9 from three-point range and 9-for-11 from the free-throw line, knocking down several clutch attempts late in the game.

Following the win, the Lakers announced that Smart became the first player in franchise history to record back-to-back playoff games with at least 20 points and five steals.

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Fans have rallied around Marcus Smart in his first season with the organization, and his performance throughout the series has certainly not gone unnoticed.

"I knew this brother was gonna be the game changer in the playoffs," one fan said.

Another added, "More importantly, it led the team to a huge comeback, clutch-time VICTORY! Way to go Marcus Smart."

"He saved the game," another wrote.

"That's a killer stat. Shows serious two-way impact," one more fan commented.

The Lakers now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead heading into Sunday's Game 4, which will tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET in Houston.

If the Rockets can manage to steal a win and extend the series, it would shift back to Los Angeles for a potential Game 5.

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 10:18 AM.