Marcus Smart Says 'Stats Aren't Going to Do Me Any Justice' After Lakers Beat T-Wolves

Marcus Smart doesn't believe Friday's scoresheet reflected his impact on the Los Angeles Lakers' 128-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Smart contributed three points on 1-for-2 shooting from the field while adding an assist and two steals. He also led the Lakers with a plus-minus rating of +24 through 21 minutes on the court.

"I try not to look at the stats. For me, unfortunately, those stats aren't going to do me any justice," Smart told reporters Saturday (h/t ESPN's Dave McMenamin). "So, I try not to worry about them.

"I just try to go out there and do what I'm supposed to do, help my teammates out the best way I can. Being plus-24 is great and everything, and definitely shows the impact that can be made."

Smart, who was named 2022 Defensive Player of the Year with the Boston Celtics but has been limited by injuries for the last few seasons, signed a two-year deal with the Lakers this summer.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said before Thursday's matchup with the Timberwolves that Smart's "job is to establish physicality."

Smart meanwhile said ahead of the game that he was hoping the entire Lakers team could set a physical tone this season.

"The toughest sets the rules, and that's the motto. I've been in this league for 12 years and that's always been the motto," Smart said Thursday (h/t So Cal News Group's Khobi Price).

He continued, "The team that comes out more physical, the momentum is kind of going their way, and that's how it is. We want to be the toughest team from start to end."

Smart demonstrated that mindset against the Minnesota, like with his steal on Julius Randle on a third-quarter play that ultimately ended with a Rui Hachimura dunk.

The Lakers will look for Smart to continue helping his team establish a physical presence when play resumes with Sunday night's road game against the Sacramento Kings. Tip-off at Golden 1 Center is set for 9 p.m. ET.