The Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong start to the 2025-26 season with a 130-120 victory over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night. Luka Doncic once again led the way with a triple-double, but after the game, it wasn’t his scoring or passing he wanted to talk about; it was defense.
In his postgame press conference, Doncic made a point to praise Bronny James and veteran Marcus Smart for their defensive energy and impact in the win. Speaking about Bronny, Luka said:
“He was great. In those kind of moments, you never know if you’re gonna play or not. He was ready, and that means a lot to us, and he was ready to go at the right moment. So he played great today, he was great defensively. And we expect him to do that, and it was amazing.”
Bronny played a season-high 18 minutes, including a key stretch in the fourth quarter as head coach JJ Redick trusted the 21-year-old to help close the game. He finished with two points, two assists, and three steals, and his defensive intensity drew applause from both fans and teammates.
His activity in passing lanes, his containment on the perimeter, and his composure in crunch time stood out in what was arguably his best NBA performance of the season.
Redick echoed Doncic’s sentiments after the game, explaining why he left the rookie on the floor late. While Bronny’s rise was one of the night’s storylines, Doncic also reserved special praise for Marcus Smart, the Lakers’ defensive leader.
“It’s unbelievable impact. I play against this guy a lot. He was always guarding me, so I know how I feel for the other team. So I’m glad he’s on my team, and the impact he has, it’s unbelievable. He’s been hustling every game, every moment, every minute, every second, so props to him.”
Smart delivered another gritty all-around performance, finishing with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block. His defensive instincts and vocal leadership have been crucial in shaping the Lakers’ identity, especially during LeBron James’ ongoing absence.
Smart currently holds the team’s highest plus-minus rating at +56, a mark that ranks among the top 10 in the entire league. Through seven games, he’s averaging 9.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27 minutes per contest, proving his value goes far beyond the box score.
The Lakers never trailed in the game, with Doncic controlling the tempo and Austin Reaves adding 26 points and 11 assists. But it was their collective defense, anchored by Smart’s communication and Bronny’s energy, that kept the Heat from finding rhythm late. Miami shot just 33 percent from three and turned the ball over 15 times, several of which came from pressure applied by the Lakers’ guards.
Doncic, who finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, made it clear that the Lakers’ depth and defensive versatility are what set them apart.
As Los Angeles improved to 5-2, the message was clear: this team’s success isn’t built only on Doncic’s brilliance or Reaves’ scoring, but also on the relentless defensive effort from players like Smart and Bronny. In a season where expectations are sky-high, that combination of youthful hunger and veteran toughness might be what turns the Lakers from contenders into champions once again.
