The Los Angeles Lakers went up 2-0 in their first round series against the Houston Rockets, winning game two, 101-94. 

The Lakers were once again led by LeBron James, who continues to defy father time. LeBron finished with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He even turned back the clock with a pump reverse dunk. 

Luke Kennard was also a big factor for the second straight game as he had 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists. 

The x-factor for the Lakers was veteran Marcus Smart, who was brought in during the offseason for playoff moments and matchups like this. Smart had 25 points, two rebounds, and seven assists. Along with his offensive contributions, he neutralized Kevin Durant in the second half, shutting off the offensive water for the Rockets. 

Speaking after the game, LeBron was asked about Smart stepping up with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves being out of the lineup. 

"He's battle tested. Been to the Finals, multiple playoff games, big games in his career. He's not afraid of the moment and he's always been assigned to the best players to ever play. He brings a composure to our team. With AR and Luka out, to have that means a lot to our ball club," he said. 

LeBron continued, "Just knowing his resume and what he's all about. He plays winning basketball and has been big time for us offensively."

LeBron praised Smart for what he brings in intangibles. He said that they don't track diving for a loose ball or boxing out or deflections in the boxscore, but it is something that they track as a team and as players.

Finally, LeBron was asked if he needed to say anything to Marcus to either help him or explain what he needed. 

"You guys saw the meme after game one. I can look at him and he knows what I'm talking about," he said. 

With Luka and Reaves out, Smart and Kennard have stepped up offensively. In game one, Smart had 15 points and eight assists while Kennard had 27 points, four rebounds, and three assists. 

Going into the series, everyone knew that Smart would draw the assignment of guarding Kevin Durant. 

In game one that matchup never came to fruition as Durant was out with an injury. In game two, Durant got the better of things in the first half, but Smart shut him down in the second half. 

Durant went 6-7 from the field for 20 points in the first half. In the second half, he had just three points on five field goal attempts. 

While it was the entire Lakers defense executing the game plan, Smart had his fingerprints all over Durant's inability to score.