Marcus Smart expects ‘a lot of boos’ from Celtics fans as a Laker

Morning Sports Update

“That’s OK. I understand it.”

Marcus Smart on facing the Celtics as a Laker: Marcus Smart is officially a Laker, with Los Angeles confirming the free agent signing on Tuesday.

Smart, 31, is the latest ex-Celtic to eventually make his way to Los Angeles to play for Boston’s longtime NBA rival (an interesting list that includes Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, and Rick Fox).

After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Celtics — a period of time in which he won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 — the versatile guard was traded as part of a high-profile three-team deal involving the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Wizards in 2023 that sent (among other players) Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.

Smart played the last two seasons with the Grizzlies and Wizards (where he was traded in 2025), though injuries limited his impact. After his contract was recently bought out by Washington, he eventually agreed to a deal with the Lakers.

Looking ahead, he told reporters on Tuesday at his introductory press conference that he wants to get back on track.

“I’m very motivated,” said Smart. “The last two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment. Just injuries kind of stopped me and held me back, but like I told my wife and my family, everything happens for a reason. It’s funny that 12 years ago, I could’ve been here, and now it’s full circle and I’m here.”

Smart referenced the pre-draft moment he experienced in 2014 when the Lakers were also interested in selecting him, but lost a coin flip to the Celtics over which team got the (slightly higher) sixth pick. Now, his “full circle” experience has led him to Los Angeles over a decade later.

As for the Celtics, Smart was asked by Allie Clifton of Spectrum SportsNet about the reaction he thinks he might get from Boston fans while wearing a Lakers jersey.

“I can try to anticipate it,” Smart told Clifton. “I have no idea. But I can definitely tell and say that I’m expecting a lot of boos. I’m expecting a lot of hate. And that’s OK. I understand it.”

Trivia: The Lakers ended up with the seventh pick in 2014, one spot behind the Celtics. Los Angeles still managed to draft an impact player. Can you name him?

(Answer at the bottom.)

Hint: A three-time All-Star, he won the 2020-2021 Most Improved Player award.

Scores and schedules:

The Red Sox lost to the Phillies 4-1 on Tuesday, with Philadelphia starter Christopher Sanchez striking out 12 in a complete game win. The two teams play again today at 7:05 p.m. as Boston attempts to avoid being swept on the road.

Also today, Patriots training camp opens, with the first team practice (which is open to fans).

On Friday, the Revolution will host CF Montreal at 7:30 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

The return of Stefon Diggs: As training camp opens, what exactly will the 32-year-old wide receiver (returning from a torn ACL) be able to contribute, especially early on? Patriots analysts discussed the topic on NBC Sports Boston’s “Arbella Early Edition.”

On this day: In 2002, Nomar Garciaparra hit three home runs on his 29th birthday (totaling eight RBIs) in a 22-4 rout of the Devil Rays.

Daily highlight: In a moment of glory, Italian forward Barbara Bonansea scored with an emphatic volley against England in the first half of Tuesday’s Euro 2025 semifinal matchup. The underdog Italians held out doggedly until virtually the final whistle, but England scored a dramatic late equalizer and won the game in extra time.

Trivia answer: Julius Randle