With LeBron James returning to the Lakers’ starting lineup on Tuesday, Marcus Smart shifted back to a reserve role and logged just 17 minutes, his lowest total of the season.
Speaking with Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times, Smart explained that his approach doesn’t change based on whether he starts or comes off the bench – he focuses on contributing in whatever ways the game demands.
“I like to [think of] myself as a Swiss Army knife,” he said Saturday as the Lakers prepared for Sunday’s matchup in Utah.
“It’s not one thing I do great, but I do everything very well. … People come back, people get hurt. People have great games, have bad games. You have to adjust to whatever the game is calling for at that moment.”
Smart has played 12 seasons for 4 teams, including the Celtics and Grizzlies. He has averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 648 regular-season games.
e has won 1 Defensive Player of the Year award.
James Harden is now tied for third in NBA history with 25 50-point games. Read more: https://t.co/zAOOxINgHR
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 24, 2025
