When Marcus Smart was introduced as the newest member of the Lakers, he was asked how it’d feel when he played on the Celtics’ parquet floor as a rival. Smart expected boos and “a lot of hate,” but unfortunately, he won’t be able to live that experience this season.
Smart (left lumbar muscle strain) is listed as out on the injury report for the 7 p.m. Friday game between the Celtics and Lakers in Boston. He hasn’t played in a game since Nov. 25 as he’s been banged up at different points to open the season.
Los Angeles will also be without Luke Doncic (personal reasons). LeBron James (right foot sciatica and left foot joint arthritis) is also doubtful to play. So the Lakers won’t be close to full strength as they face the Celtics in the latest edition of the rivalry.
The Smart news is a bummer considering there would be a lot of anticipation for him playing in Boston. It would’ve been his first time facing his old team as a Laker. Smart signed with the Lakers this summer after getting bought out of his Wizards contract, getting recruited by Doncic to join the organization. He’s been a crucial piece for Los Angeles, though injury woes have slowed him down this year and in recent seasons.
Smart was a fan favorite during his time in Boston, playing for the organization from 2014-23. He bounced around the NBA since getting traded by the C’s in 2023, playing for the Grizzlies and Wizards over the past two seasons. Smart was out of the spotlight, suiting up for teams that failed to make the playoffs. But he’s right back to contributing for a 16-5 Los Angeles team.
The Celtics are 13-9 this season, winning eight of their last 10 games, even though Jayson Tatum remains sidelined with his Achilles injury. While this game is usually circled on the calendar, the lack of star power is a tough hit. Both teams are also coming off a game Thursday, meaning they’re both on a back-to-back.