"I'm expecting a lot of hate" - Marcus Smart braces for hostile Celtics return after signing with the Lakers

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the most storied franchises in the NBA. Their iconic rivalry dates back to the beginning of the league. Thus, when Marcus Smart decided to sign with the Purple and Gold, he knows what to expect from the TD Garden crowd during his visits next season.

The Celtics selected Smart as the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft. He played for Boston for nine seasons and made a name for himself as an elite perimeter defender. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy never became an All-Star, but he was a heart of the team and defensive dynamo, for which he was awarded a DPOY in 2022.

He parted ways with C's in 2023 as part of a three-team deal the Celtics pulled in order to acquire Kristaps Porzingis. The following years had him struggle as he spent more time on the injury list than on the court. Now, embarking on a new chapter with the Lakers, the veteran guard opened up about the potential reception he would receive from the Celtics fans.

"I'm expecting a lot of boos, I'm expecting a lot of hate, and it's okay. I understand it," said Smart, when asked about his past association with the Celtics.

A new beginning with the Lakers

In his first year with the Grizzlies, Smart managed to play only 20 games due to a string of injuries that he sustained. He continued battling similar issues during the 2024-25 season and never became the veteran presence Memphis was looking for.

Ultimately, he was traded to the Wizards ahead of the deadline. However, his travels didn't end there as the 6'3" guard recently inked a two-year $11M deal with the Lakers

Luka Doncic played a pivotal role in recruiting Smart to the Lakers. He saw him as a great addition to the team and needed improvement on the defensive side. 

"When you get a guy like Luka calling, to see if you want to join something special that he's trying to cook up over here, that meant a lot," revealed Smart, who, before this, didn't share any sort of equation with Doncic besides having a mutual respect.

Players who have worn both jerseys

While representing a franchise like the Celtics and Lakers is a dream for many aspirants, some players have played on both sides. The list includes Hall of Famers such as Shaquille O'Neal, Gary Payton, Don Nelson, Rajon Rondo, and Clyde Lovellette.

As Smart joins this list of names, he knows Celtics fans would not have appreciated his move to sign with their rival. Although he expects to hear a lot of jeers, Boston also needs to consider that the management got rid of him first, with the Grizzlies trade in 2023.

Nevertheless, it is a fresh start for Smart, playing alongside generational talents like LeBron James and Doncic. Hopefully, there will be no more injuries for him, and he can get back to his form and show why he was one of the most feared perimeter defenders in the league.