Newest Laker Marcus Smart Expects Boos and ‘Hate’ From Celtics Fans

Marcus Smart knows what is in store for him from his former side and it's fans.

Newest Laker Marcus Smart Expects Boos and ‘Hate’ From Celtics Fans

Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart (Image by FirstSportz)

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Just like many NBA trade deals that have unfolded over the last month during this offseason, another recently occurred for the Los Angeles Lakers involving veteran Marcus Smart. A few days ago, the Lakers signed Smart from the Free Agency, with the help of their star player Luka Doncic, who played a role in recruiting the star.

Now, this isn’t any normal deal. That is because Smart was once a Boston Celtics player, and there’s a huge rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics if one is unaware of the two storied franchises. So, it is expected that the Celtics fans are going to boo and hate Smart on his return to the TD Garden in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, something that Smart also touched upon lately in his recent interview with the reporters.

I can try to anticipate it. I have no idea, but I can definitely say that I’m expecting a lot of boos. I’m expecting a lot of hate, and it’s okay, I understand it.

Marcus Smart told the media

Smart recently signed a deal with the Lakers, making him the most recent to be on both sides. Before being shipped to the Grizzlies in 2023, the former Defensive Player of the Year had been selected by the Celtics and played for them for nine seasons. Now, he finds himself as Boston’s fiercest opponent ahead of the new season.

As a member of that historic 2022 team that advanced to the NBA Finals, Smart produced 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest with the Celtics. Due to his involvement in the deal that acquired Kristaps Porzingis, he was not in Boston throughout the team’s 2024 run that culminated in a championship.

Of course, various emotions and all sorts of pressure will be on the player returning to the court as a Laker this time around. Smart anticipates this, and knows how wild the Boston fans can get, as he witnessed this firsthand when they booed Kyrie Irving several times in the past.

Marcus Smart’s kind words for his newest teammate, Luka Doncic

Shams Charania, an ESPN journalist, was the one who claimed that the Lakers’ superstar, Luka Doncic, was instrumental in luring Marcus Smart and contacting him, shocking a lot of fans in the process. Notably, the Washington Wizards bought out Smart’s contract, making it easy for the Lakers to deal with him to acquire his services. Next stepped in Luka Doncic, with a mere phone call that helped seal this deal.

When you get a guy like Luka calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you’re at to see if you want to come and join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here… For him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot.

Marcus Smart told the media
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic (Image by FirstSportz)

Smart, 31, reached the buyout with the Wizards and cleared waivers before agreeing to a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers. With LeBron James and Doncic leading the Lakers, the former Celtics player may have a significant role ahead of him. He is expected to play the role of the ‘point of attack defender’ on the Lakers’ side, giving them depth in offense and defense.

Marcus Smart makes a clear admission about the Lakers

One thing is sure: the Lakers are preparing to go all out in the upcoming NBA season. They showed it last year, and they are not settling for anything less than a top 2-3 finish in the Western Conference.

They already have a star-studded roster with a driven HC in JJ Redick, so much so that their newest acquisition, Smart, also agrees with this. He opened up on this matter in his recent press conference as a Laker.

I think we stack up right there with the best of ‘em. I think we have no ceiling

Marcus Smart said

After signing in superstar Luka Doncic and pairing him up with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ management has done quite well in terms of building their roster. This offseason, they have added the likes of Smart and Deandre Ayton to support Doncic, Reaves, and James on the court, defensively, and on offense.

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