Marcus Smart and the Lakers’ Load Management Controversy: Stephen A. Smith Speaks Out
Tuesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs was anticipated as a showcase of NBA talent. However, it quickly devolved into a one-sided affair, largely due to the Lakers’ decision to rest their entire starting lineup. This move sparked outrage, particularly from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who didn’t hold back his criticism.
The Lakers sat LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart, leaving a significantly weakened team to face Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Smith labeled the decision as “disrespectful and insensitive” to the fans who paid to witness a competitive game. Despite the NBA’s attempts to address load management, the practice continues to be a contentious issue within the league.
Stephen A. Smith’s Fiery Criticism
“The reality is that a star came into the building in Tinsel Town and none of the stars for the Los Angeles Lakers — purple and gold — were in uniform, ready to play. That is disgraceful,” Smith passionately stated on “First Take.” He emphasized the importance of having replacements ready when key players are rested, arguing that sitting the entire starting five sends a negative message to the fanbase.
“Work it out. If you got LeBron James off, make sure somebody else is playing. If you got Austin Reaves off, make sure somebody else is playing,” he continued. “But then everybody? That is disrespectful and insensitive and dismissive to the fans. And somebody needs to say it! So damn it, I’m saying it!”
Nuance in the Debate
Former WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike offered a more nuanced perspective. She acknowledged the legitimate reasons for resting players like Luka, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and LeBron James, given his age (41) and the demands of back-to-back games. Austin Reaves’ recent return from a calf injury also warranted caution.
However, Ogwumike questioned the rationale behind resting both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. “All five starters — I have a problem with. And just going by the injury report and what we know, LeBron James at 41, it’s going to be hard for him to play back-to-back. So I understand him sitting out… But when it comes to Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, that’s when it starts looking a little sus,” she pointed out.
Wembanyama Shines Despite the Circumstances
Despite the controversy surrounding the Lakers’ lineup, the game still provided a captivating performance from Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs rookie exploded for 40 points in just 26 minutes, including an astonishing 25 points in the first quarter alone. This stellar showing offered a silver lining for fans who still tuned in to witness the rising star.
You can read more about the ongoing debate surrounding load management and its impact on the fan experience at NBA.com.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 12, 2026.
