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Purple and gold Marcus Smart? Ouch.
This summer has been tough for Celtics fans, already frustrated from seeing Boston rotate through attempts to secure financial wins. Now comes the news that Smart, who is expected to sign with the rival Los Angeles Lakers, following a deal involving the Washington Wizards, is set to join the Lakers.
It has been a gut-wrenching summer for Celtics supporters.
Smart dedicated nine seasons to Boston, embodying the team with his relentless style and competitive spirit. Before the Celtics made significant roster changes in the summer of 2023, it seemed like Smart could remain a Celtic for life, potentially leading the team to the long-sought 18th championship banner.
Now, Smart will join a growing list of former Celtics guards who later signed with the Lakers, including Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, and Isaiah Thomas.
Photoshopped images of Smart in Lakers gear flooded the news on Saturday, though real photos date back to a 2014 pre-draft visit when Smart sported the purple and gold. Interestingly, the Lakers selected Julius Randle with a pick immediately following Boston’s in that draft.
Smart was a constant presence during Boston’s playoff runs, never missing the postseason while on their roster. While his shot selection sometimes divided opinions, he was beloved for making big plays in crucial moments and for his strong community influence in Boston.
Now 32 and turning that age in October, Smart has only played 54 games for the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards since leaving Boston. After being traded to Memphis in the Kristaps Porzingis deal, he faced an injury-plagued season before being moved to the Wizards as they pursued rebuilding through the lottery in a three-team deal during the 2024-25 season.
Smart is set to earn $26 million in the final year of the four-year, $77 million contract extension he signed with Boston in 2021.
The Lakers are bolstering their lineup amid uncertainties surrounding LeBron James’ future, particularly around star Luka Doncic. After a few seasons away from playoff contention, Smart will need to reignite his game to compete with the talented Lakers and chase ambitious goals in the competitive Western Conference.
Since leaving Boston, Smart has only faced his former team once, in a December 2024 game in Memphis.
Celtics players Jalen Brown and Payton Pritchard have shared their thoughts on Smart’s impending return to Boston. Traded in 2023, Smart was sidelined by injury when the Grizzlies visited TD Garden last season.
Boston has watched key players like Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and soon Al Horford depart this summer, easing salary constraints. Smart’s move to the rival Lakers adds another tough blow to a summer filled with roster upheaval.
There’s always extra intensity in Celtics-Lakers matchups, and seeing Smart in purple and gold will only heighten the stakes this season.
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Fan Take: Marcus Smart joining the Lakers is a significant moment for basketball fans because it highlights how rivalries can shift and deepen with player movement. His tenacity and leadership could make Lakers-Celtics showdowns even more compelling, offering thrilling narratives for the sport’s biggest fans.
