Bill Simmons Loses It in 6-Word Reaction as Celtics Icon Marcus Smart Signs Two-Year Deal with the Los Angeles Lakers
Marcus Smart
, the former
Boston Celtics
heart-and-soul defender, is set to join the
Los Angeles Lakers
after securing a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards. Shams Charania broke the news, reporting that Smart intends to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers once he clears waivers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make roster cuts in order to free up the necessary salary space for Smart's arrival. The 31-year-old guard spent last season split between the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, but it's the purple and gold that will now provide the veteran with a fresh start.
A Devastating Blow for Celtics Loyalists
The announcement sent shockwaves through the NBA community—none more so than within Boston Celtics fandom. Marcus Smart was more than just a player in Boston. Drafted by the Celtics in 2014, he became a tenacious defensive anchor, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and leading with unmatched grit. His departure in 2023, part of the trade that brought
Kristaps Porziņģis
to Boston, already stung.
Seeing him in a Lakers jersey? That's a whole new level of pain.
Bill Simmons, lifelong Celtics fan and prominent NBA commentator, couldn't contain his emotions. Upon seeing Charania's mock-up of Smart in Los Angeles Lakers gear, Bill Simmons took to X in meltdown mode:
'Ahhhhhhh I've gone blind! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!'
It was the digital equivalent of a Celtics funeral.
Bill Simmons' Worst Fear Comes True
Bill Simmons' reaction isn't just about Smart. He had previously voiced concern over the possibility of Al Horford—another Boston veteran—following a similar path to the
Los Angeles Lakers
.
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While Horford's future remains uncertain, ESPN's Brian Windhorst recently linked the big man to the Golden State Warriors instead.
For now, at least, Bill Simmons can breathe a partial sigh of relief—though Marcus Smart's move is already enough to send him into a crisis.
Marcus Smart's Legacy in Boston
During his nine years with the Celtics, Smart was a symbol of Boston's hard-nosed identity. He helped the team rise from a rebuilding phase to Finals contenders, playing a vital role in their 2022 run to the championship series—where they fell short to the Warriors.
Despite being traded ahead of the Celtics' 2024 title win, Smart's contributions were not forgotten. He laid the foundation for a locker room culture that eventually paid off, even if he wasn't there to lift the trophy with them.
What This Means for the Los Angeles Lakers
Marcus Smart now joins a Los Angeles Lakers squad desperate to rebound from a disappointing postseason. His defensive intensity, leadership, and veteran presence could be just what Los Angeles needs to add edge to a roster still trying to gel around its core.
Whether he starts or becomes a key rotation piece, Smart brings playoff-tested experience and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality—qualities that might just ignite a deeper postseason run.
From Celtics green to Los Angeles Lakers gold, Marcus Smart's journey is bound to polarize NBA fans—especially those in Boston. But for the Lakers, it's a strategic gamble on a player who still has plenty to offer.
Also read:
NBA Trade News: Los Angeles Lakers Sign Marcus Smart with a $11 Million Deal; High-Stakes Move for Defensive Reinforcement
Summing things up, Bill Simmons—and Celtics fans everywhere—won't be forgetting this move any time soon.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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