Lakers’ LeBron James flexes telepathy with Marcus Smart after Game 2 win

LeBron James and Marcus Smart had intense battles in the playoffs when they were the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, respectively. Now that they are on the same team, they are providing a safety net for each other.

James and Smart know that they can compete with anyone when they are in sync on the floor. That was on full display on Tuesday, as they led the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets, 101-94, in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series in the playoffs.

James had 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Smart, who set a new franchise record, tallied 25 points, seven assists, and five steals to power the Lakers. Even Kevin Durant’s return from a knee injury did not save the Rockets.

In the locker room after the game, the 41-year-old James touted his connection with the 32-year-old Smart, as shown in the video posted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“You guys have seen the meme after Game 1. I can look at him, and he can know what the hell I’m talking about. He can relate to me,” said James.

“You guys seen the meme after Game 1. I can look at him and he can know what the hell I’m talking about” – LeBron James reveals Marcus Smart was who he was making nonverbal communication with in the series opener pic.twitter.com/DsAZSZXiND

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 22, 2026

James’ chemistry with Smart will be a key factor for the Lakers in the best-of-seven series, which James described as a “dogfight.”

In a video posted by Spectrum SportsNet, the four-time MVP stressed the significance of having Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, on the team.

“He’s battle-tested. He’s been to the finals. He’s been in multiple playoff games, big games in his career. Obviously, he’s not afraid of the moment,” added James.

LeBron James (28 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST) discusses the game 2 execution, Smart's reliability on both ends, limiting KD to 3 points in the 2nd half, and the history vs. Durant. pic.twitter.com/rhjYfKD3lQ

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 22, 2026

Smart was instrumental in limiting Durant to just three points in the second half. Durant also had nine turnovers in the game.

Game 3 is at Toyota Center on Friday.

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