The Boston Celtics will have to see one of their former stars on their biggest rivals next season.
This offseason has seen some massive moves across the league, with the Celtics being involved in some of those, notably trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. While it must sting for the Celtics to lose some key pieces of their championship core, the largest blow might not have involved them at all.
On Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Washington Wizards reached a buyout agreement with Marcus Smart, clearing the way for him to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. While Smart will be going into his third season since leaving Boston, Celtics fans are unlikely to enjoy seeing him in the purple and gold.
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
For the first nine seasons of his career, Smart was an integral part of the Celtics’ nine straight playoff appearances. In 2022, Smart and the Celtics had their best run together, with the Oklahoma State product winning Defensive Player of the Year as Boston made a run to the NBA Finals.
Known as the heart and soul of the Celtics for nearly a decade, Smart’s defense captivated Boston fans, cementing his status as a fan favorite. Although he will soon be suiting up on the other side of one of the league’s most storied rivalries, the Celtics’ love for Smart won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
However, in the short term, Smart will simply be another Laker for Celtics fans to root against, but it might be unbearable for Boston to watch him help Los Angeles compete for a title alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
