Marcus Smart Fined $35,000 By NBA After Halftime Incident In Utah
The first year with the Los Angeles Lakers for Marcus Smart has been characterized by his defensive strength, experience, and behind-the-scenes play that does not necessarily reflect in the statistical columns. On Thursday night in the 143-135 overtime win over the Utah Jazz, the experienced guard attracted considerable attention for a reason that had little to do with either basketball or the NBA.
The reason why the experienced guard attracted all the attention was an emotional altercation with officials in a halftime incident that culminated in one of the most significant fines that have been imposed in the NBA this season.
What started as a rather productive evening for Smart got a surprising twist with this event, as he was one of the key players for the Lakers’ offense and remains a vital part of Head Coach JJ Redick’s starting lineup. Although the Lakers took home a victory, Smart’s actions did not go unnoticed with the league officials, as they took swift action regarding incidents of direct conduct against officials.
The Fine and What Caused it
Over the weekend, the NBA reported that Smart was issued a fine of $35,000 due to the acts described as: “making an obscene gesture toward a game official.” This comes as no surprise following the technical foul Smart received at the Delta Center during the Lakers’ win, where he pointed his middle finger at a referee as the crowd watched. Smart received his technical foul in the first half and actually started the halt in play due to his obscene gesture observed at the Delta Center.
In terms of the sum of the fine, it caused raised eyebrows throughout the league, especially when viewed within the recent disciplinary backdrop. Houston Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka received a fine of $25,000 earlier during the week for criticizing referees, among other things, for conducting the game he referred to as the “most poorly officiated” game he has ever witnessed. Way more worrying for Smart, however, was the implication that he could have been assessed a heavier fine if he had acted differently on the floor.
He concluded his game against Utah with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 three-pointers. Smart playing with Luka Dončić and LeBron James seems to benefit Los Angeles, as these three have been an effective unit together on the court.
How Smart Has Performed This Season
In 17 games as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Smart is averaging 10.6 points, 2.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 27.2 minutes of play per game. His shooting percentages are .431 overall, .330 from three, and an impressive .917 from the line.
The advanced stats provide a more telling portrait of his worth to his team. The Lakers are an astonishing +8.5 on offense, then -2.8 on defense with Smart. The most significant impact that he makes has been in improving lineups that include more basketball-oriented scoring punch, by adding defense to those lineups via his pressure, his ability to speak defense, and his physicality.
Smart’s scoring output has also gone through the roof lately because of injuries. As Austin Reaves has been ruled out because of a calf injury, Smart has delivered. In the last three games, he has hit 14 of 28 three-pointers, which is just icing on the cake, as Smart is known more for his defense.
Final Thoughts
The fine is a reminder of Smart’s combustible personality, which has been a characteristic of his entire career. While his outburst at referees goes overboard as far as the league is concerned, this is a quality of his game that is much more of a strength than a weakness, at least on a team like the Lakers.
But as the Lakers continue on with their strong start with a 19-7 record and prepare for their important games against the Clippers, Suns, and Rockets on Christmas Day, it seems likely that Smart will regain concentration on what made him an important acquisition for the team in the first place.
