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Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart battle for a loose ball against the Houston Rockets, highlighting the physicality expected in their playoff series.
Marcus Smart delivered a clear message as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a physical first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
“They’re going to try to come in and punk us,” Smart said after Tuesday’s practice. “And if you allow that, you will be punked. And I don’t think we have any guys that are going to be punked on this team.”
The veteran guard’s tone reflects the urgency surrounding a Lakers team entering the postseason short-handed but intent on matching Houston’s intensity.
Smart’s comments come shortly after returning from a nine-game absence due to an ankle injury.
In his first two games back, he averaged 8.5 assists, 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals, quickly re-establishing himself as a key facilitator and defensive presence.
“So, we might not be the most athletic and strongest,” Smart added, “but we got to have the most heart.”
GettyMarcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers dives for the loose ball during an NBA Cup game.
Beyond his recent production, Smart has quietly been one of the Lakers’ most impactful players.
He leads the team with a +256 cumulative plus-minus across 62 games, well ahead of Luka Dončić (+187 in 64 games).
That margin underscores Smart’s two-way impact, particularly as the Lakers adjust without key contributors.
Houston’s physical identity is backed by numbers.
The Rockets led the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage (47.2%), while the Lakers are not far behind at 43.6%, the key stat that could translate into second-chance opportunities in a possession game.
That disparity aligns directly with Smart’s warning — reinforcing that physicality, effort and execution on the glass will be critical.
Even with injuries to their top two stars, the Lakers have reason for optimism.
LeBron James closed the regular season in strong form, averaging 24.0 points, 9.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds while leading the Lakers to a 3-1 record over the final week.
He was also named the NBA Player of the Week for a record 70th time, underscoring his continued impact at this stage of his career.
With Austin Reaves (Grade 2 oblique strain) and Dončić (Grade 2 hamstring strain) sidelined indefinitely, James is expected to shoulder an even greater playmaking load.
Head coach JJ Redick has emphasized simplifying the offense, increasing the importance of ball-handlers like Smart to organize the team.
Veterans will be relied upon heavily as the Lakers look to compensate for the absence of two primary scorers. And Redick counts on Smart, who has returned to the playoffs since 2023, when he was still with the Boston Celtics.
“I think just really simplify things,” Redick said after the Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns last week. “[Smart], Luke, whoever that third guard is off the bench, and LeBron all have to share in that responsibility.”
Playoff basketball often comes down to toughness and execution.
Smart’s comments serve as both a warning and a rallying point for a Lakers team preparing for a demanding matchup.
As the series approaches, the message is clear: the Lakers expect a physical battle—and, led by Smart and James, they intend to respond.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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