In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Marcus Smart, the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics for nearly a decade, has inked a deal with their arch-nemesis, the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, known for his gritty play and unrelenting passion, is ready to embrace the villain’s role as he steps onto the court at TD Garden wearing purple and gold.
Smart, a former Oklahoma State standout, spent nine seasons with the Celtics, becoming a fan favorite for his tenacious defense and clutch performances. He played a pivotal role in guiding Boston to the 2022 NBA Finals, cementing his status as a Celtics legend despite never hoisting a championship trophy. However, after stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards over the past two seasons, Smart’s career has taken a dramatic turn.
Marcus Smart checking in 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/5Y08O3Cy9f
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 23, 2025
On July 19, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that Smart agreed to a contract buyout with the Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers after clearing waivers. The move places Smart on a star-studded roster alongside LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura, as the Lakers look to rebound from a disappointing first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
The signing is more than just a roster upgrade for Los Angeles—it’s a seismic shift in the NBA’s most storied rivalry. Smart, fully aware of the passionate Celtics fanbase and the bad blood between the two franchises, is bracing for a hostile reception when he returns to Boston. In an interview with Spectrum SportsNet (h/t Bleacher Report), he didn’t mince words: “I’m expecting a lot of boos. I’m expecting a lot of hate… It’s okay. I understand it.”
BREAKING: Marcus Smart has agreed to a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards and intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. A return to a grand stage for the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/8g9Bxzz11E
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2025
Smart’s fiery demeanor and defensive prowess defined his tenure in Boston, where he averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game last season, shooting 39.3% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc in 34 games with the Wizards. Now, as he joins forces with the Lakers, Smart is ready to channel that same intensity against his former team, flipping the script on a fanbase that once adored him.
For Lakers fans, Smart’s arrival is a coup—a defensive anchor with a chip on his shoulder, ready to take on the Celtics and the rest of the league. For Celtics fans, it’s a bitter pill, knowing their former heart-and-soul player will now be gunning for them in the iconic purple and gold. One thing is certain: when Marcus Smart steps onto the court against Boston, the boos will be loud, but his impact will be louder.