Marcus Smart was a fan favorite in Boston for nearly a decade, but the veteran point guard does not expect Celtics fans to treat him as such the next time he plays in front of them.
Smart signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday after reaching a buyout agreement with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers, of course, are the Celtics’ biggest rivals, so fans in Boston were not happy with Smart’s decision. Several of them immediately took to social media to express their disgust.
On Tuesday, Smart was asked about the reception he expects to receive the first time he plays in front of Celtics fans in a Lakers uniform. He laughed and said he expects “a lot of hate.”
“I can try to anticipate it. I have no idea, but I can definitely say that I’m expecting a lot of boos. I’m expecting a lot of hate, and it’s OK. I understand it,” Smart said.
Marcus Smart on what it'll be like when Celtics fans see him in a Lakers uniform:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 23, 2025
"I'm expecting a lot of boos, I'm expecting a lot of hate, and it's okay I understand it" pic.twitter.com/gnNPyHI7EC
Smart is known mostly for his scrappy play and outstanding defense, which are the main reasons he was so beloved in Boston. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and was viewed as a leader. The Celtics traded him prior to the 2023-24 season as part of the Kristaps Porzingis deal.
There was some talk earlier in the offseason of the Celtics bringing Smart back, but he instead chose to sign with Boston’s hated rival. The 31-year-old seems prepared to accept whatever comes along with that.
