Boston Celtics
“It was weird at first. … I definitely didn’t think that would be a possibility but I’m enjoying every last bit of it.”
Lakers guard Marcus Smart. AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Marcus Smart did not put on a purple-and-gold Lakers jersey during the Celtics’ win at TD Garden Friday night, as he was out with a back injury.
But, he did take some time to reflect on how it feels to play for the arch-rival Lakers. The Celtics drafted Smart and he spent nearly a decade in Boston.
But pro basketball is a business, and his path wound up leading to a stop in Los Angeles. The Celtics sent him to Memphis in the trade that netted Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the 2024 season. After Memphis came a brief, injury-marred stint with Washington.
Now, the 31-year-old veteran guard is off to a new start with the Lakers. He has played in 14 games, making nine starts. He’s averaging 9.3 points and 1.8 steals per game.
“It was weird at first,” Smart said of switching sides in the rivalry. “Being here nine years, I definitely didn’t think that would be a possibility but I’m enjoying every last bit of it.”
“We’ve got a great team in L.A. We’ve got some talented players and a great opportunity playing with Luka (Doncic) and LeBron (James), two of the best to ever do it in this game. Just try to take and learn from them and help however I can. Excited and proud to be here.”
The Celtics throttled the shorthanded Lakers, who were without James, Doncic, and Smart, Friday night. They have now won nine of their last 11 games and are tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Smart said he isn’t surprised by how well Boston is playing.
“It’s exactly what I assumed,” Smart said. “When you have a foundation like the Celtics do, it’s easy to buy in. They’re doing their thing … when you’ve got that pedigree you’re not surprised when guys go down and other guys come up. They’re taking advantage of it.”
Despite the recent success, the Celtics have taken a noticeable step back this season with Jayson Tatum injured. Smart said he has kept in touch with Tatum, but not as much as he would like.
“Things happen but I have been in contact with him here and there. He’s in good spirits. He’s good. And it’s all love,” Smart said. “I wish him a speedy recovery. We hate to see that in any sport to any player, but to a guy of JT’s pedigree, his talent, that’s tough. It hurts for the league and especially for Boston.”
While he’s excited to play in L.A., Smart said his feelings toward Boston haven’t changed. He said he felt like he grew up in the city after coming here as a 19-year-old and spending most of his 20s there.
He mentioned his engagement, which happened not long before he was traded, as one of many fond memories of Boston.
The lessons and growth from the beginning of his career are sticking with him to this day.
“This is where I grew up at. It’s always going to hold a special place for me wherever I’m at,” Smart said. “I’m blessed. It allowed me to be the person I am today and the things, the wisdom I learned from it, I’ll always take to heart.”
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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