Marcus Smart Fined for Obscene Gesture Amid Lakers' Struggles

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture towards a game official. This incident occurred at halftime during the Lakers' 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz on December 7, 2025, when Smart, trailing 78-73, exchanged words with a referee and then displayed his middle finger.

The league announced the fine on December 9, and this gesture resulted in Smart receiving a technical foul, his third of the season, which the Jazz capitalized on by shooting a free throw to start the second half.

Despite this outburst, Smart contributed significantly in the fourth quarter, scoring nine of his 17 points and shooting 75% from beyond the arc. With injuries affecting the Lakers' regular lineup, Smart's presence will be crucial in upcoming games as he averages 10.6 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds over 17 games this season, including 11 starts.