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

Marcus Sensible on dealing with the Celtics as a Laker: Marcus Sensible is formally a Laker, with Los Angeles confirming the free agent signing on Tuesday.

Sensible, 31, is the newest ex-Celtic to finally make his technique to Los Angeles to play for Boston’s longtime NBA rival (an interesting list that features Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, and Rick Fox).

After spending the primary 9 seasons of his profession with the Celtics — a time frame during which he received NBA Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2022 — the versatile guard was traded as a part of a high-profile three-team deal involving the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Wizards in 2023 that despatched (amongst different gamers) Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.

Sensible performed the final two seasons with the Grizzlies and Wizards (the place he was traded in 2025), although accidents restricted his impression. After his contract was not too long ago purchased out by Washington, he finally agreed to a cope with the Lakers.

Wanting forward, he informed reporters on Tuesday at his introductory press convention that he desires to get again on monitor.

“I’m very motivated,” said Smart. “The final two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment. Simply accidents form of stopped me and held me again, however like I informed my spouse and my household, all the pieces occurs for a cause. It’s humorous that 12 years in the past, I may’ve been right here, and now it’s full circle and I’m right here.”

Sensible referenced the pre-draft second he skilled in 2014 when the Lakers had been additionally concerned about choosing him, however lost a coin flip to the Celtics over which group bought the (barely greater) sixth decide. Now, his “full circle” expertise has led him to Los Angeles over a decade later.

As for the Celtics, Sensible was requested by Allie Clifton of Spectrum SportsNet concerning the response he thinks he may get from Boston followers whereas sporting a Lakers jersey.

“I can attempt to anticipate it,” Sensible informed Clifton. “I don’t know. However I can positively inform and say that I’m anticipating a whole lot of boos. I’m anticipating a whole lot of hate. And that’s OK. I perceive it.”

Trivia: The Lakers ended up with the seventh decide in 2014, one spot behind the Celtics. Los Angeles nonetheless managed to draft an impression participant. Are you able to title him?

(Reply on the backside.)

Trace: A 3-time All-Star, he received the 2020-2021 Most Improved Participant award.

Scores and schedules:

The Purple Sox misplaced to the Phillies 4-1 on Tuesday, with Philadelphia starter Christopher Sanchez putting out 12 in a whole recreation win. The 2 groups play once more at present at 7:05 p.m. as Boston makes an attempt to keep away from being swept on the highway.

Additionally at present, Patriots coaching camp opens, with the primary group follow (which is open to fans).

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

Extra from Boston.com:

The return of Stefon Diggs: As coaching camp opens, what precisely will the 32-year-old large receiver (coming back from a torn ACL) be capable to contribute, particularly early on? Patriots analysts mentioned the subject on NBC Sports activities Boston’s “Arbella Early Version.”

On at the present time: In 2002, Nomar Garciaparra hit three residence runs on his twenty ninth birthday (totaling eight RBIs) in a 22-4 rout of the Satan Rays.

Every day spotlight: In a second of glory, Italian ahead Barbara Bonansea scored with an emphatic volley in opposition to England within the first half of Tuesday’s Euro 2025 semifinal matchup. The underdog Italians held out doggedly till just about the ultimate whistle, however England scored a dramatic late equalizer and won the game in extra time.

Trivia reply: Julius Randle