Marcus Smart will see the other end of a storied NBA rivalry when facing the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.
The former Celtics guard will play his old team as a member of the Los Angele Lakers for the first time, as Smart missed their Dec. 5 matchup. It's a familiar feud for the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, who spent nine seasons in Boston.
Before Sunday's game, the NBA shared a video in which Smart learned he's one of 42 players who have played for both the Celtics and Lakers. The 31-year-old reflected on suiting up for each prestigious organization.
"It's been a unique experience," Smart said. "I got to experience both sides of the rivalry. It's a dream because you hear about the Lakers, you hear about the Celtics and then you say, 'I would love to play for one of them.' And then I got to play for both.
"So, for me, it's been a great experience. Two top franchises in the league, in sports. Nothing better than it."
"It’s 42? That I am surprised at." 😅
We put Marcus Smart on the spot to see how many players have suited up for both the Celtics and Lakers… how many could he name?
6:30pm/et | NBC & Peacock | Sunday Night Basketball pic.twitter.com/d8RCeN9RAm
— NBA (@NBA) February 22, 2026
The Lakers signed Smart to a two-year, $11 million deal after he played 54 combined games over the prior two seasons. He's started 38 of 45 games played for his new squad, averaging 9.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals.
Smart participated in nine Celtics playoff runs, but he's still seeking his first NBA championship. At 34-21, the Lakers are jostling for positioning in a crowded Western Conference. They can end Sunday as low as sixth and as high as a tie for the No. 3 seed with the Denver Nuggets.
Sunday's game between the Celtics and Lakers tips off at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
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