Marcus Smart owns mistake as Lakers edge Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs 118–116 on Wednesday night after a last-second error by Marcus Smart nearly changed the outcome. With just 1.2 seconds on the clock, the Lakers had possession and a two-point lead when Smart accidentally stepped on the end line while trying to inbound the ball to Rui Hachimura. The turnover gave San Antonio a final chance to steal the game.
Julian Champagnie drew a foul from Lakers forward Jake LaRavia with only 0.2 seconds left but failed to capitalize. He missed the first free throw and intentionally missed the second in hopes of a tip-in opportunity. The Lakers managed to hold on as time expired.
"I couldn't believe it," Smart said. "I think when I released the ball, they said I stepped over the line. We see that play all the time where a guy moves fast, his leg hovers past the line, and it’s not called."
Smart finished the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, going perfect from the free throw line at 10-for-10. He later reflected that if his pass to Hachimura had been clean, the Spurs wouldn’t have had a chance to foul or take another shot.
Summary
Marcus Smart admitted his late-game error as the Lakers escaped with a narrow 118–116 win over the Spurs, underscoring his accountability and composure in tight moments.