After seeing his former teammate on the court in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, Jaylen Brown opened up about Marcus Smart’s departure from the Boston Celtics. While the Celtics achieved the ultimate goal by winning an NBA championship in 2024, the victory was bittersweet because they couldn’t do it with Smart, a key part of their core, in the lineup.
Smart’s journey from Boston to the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t make many waves, but seeing him in the purple and gold of the Celtics’ greatest rival has his former teammates reflecting on their time together.
Why Does Jaylen Brown Miss His Former Teammate?
Known for his defensive tenacity and vocal leadership, Smart had seniority over both Jayson Tatum and Brown when they first joined the Celtics. As a result, he was viewed as a mentor to the two young stars, despite being only a few years older.
Over the years, this dynamic helped the Celtics become consistent playoff contenders, getting closer to a title with each season. After a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, Boston’s front office decided it was time to upgrade the roster.
Consequently, the organization moved on from Smart and brought in Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday’s impact was felt immediately, as his steady presence helped lead the Celtics to a championship in his first year with the team.
However, this success also meant that many in the fanbase began to forget Smart’s contributions. Although Brown acknowledges that Holiday was instrumental to the Celtics’ most recent championship, he couldn’t help but express his sadness over no longer sharing the court with his old friend.
Jaylen Brown on Marcus Smart:
“I miss playing with Smart, that was my dawg. It’s crazy to see him in a Lakers jersey.” pic.twitter.com/zPWvvEWqfF
— jb (@lockedupjb) October 20, 2025
“I miss playing with Smart, that was my dawg. It’s crazy to see him in a Lakers jersey.”
With the Celtics not expected to contend for a ring this season due to Tatum’s injury and recovery process, an argument could be made that Smart now has a better chance to win a title than his former teammates.
After all, Smart will be playing alongside generational superstars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Since the Lakers might not retain James’ services beyond this season, the organization is approaching the year with a “win now” mentality.
That mindset aligns perfectly with Smart’s goals. He is likely frustrated that he was unable to win a title with his old teammates in Boston. While winning one with the Lakers won’t change that, it would put Smart on equal footing with Tatum and Brown in terms of championship rings. In any case, Brown probably wants to see Smart succeed and win another championship.
However, the historic and heated rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers makes it nearly impossible for Brown to admit that publicly. Now, fans are left to wonder if Smart’s presence will be the difference-maker that helps the Lakers win another title this season.
