Former Boston Celtics star Marcus Smart once narrated his beloved LeBron James memory.
It’s official: Marcus Smart will be on the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 NBA season. The move came after Smart completed a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards.
While Luka Doncic played a key role in Smart’s arrival, many are excited about the former DPOY’s fit with none other than LeBron James.
Speaking of which, it’s the perfect time to revisit what Smart said about LBJ in 2021. At the time, he was still a member of the Boston Celtics.
A Lakers vs Celtics matchup is always a must-watch during the regular season. Back in January 2021, the two sides were all set to take on each other.
Ahead of the clash, Smart shared a cherished memory of James from Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“A couple of years ago, in Game 7, here, when LeBron [James] took us on and pretty much put the daggers in us, himself.
“I just remember him on me and late in the shot clock, I’m up in his grill and he takes a 30-footer fade away, shot clock running down, and he hits it,” Smart told the media in 2021.
The then-Celtics star added: “He just showed the type of player that he is, the kind of playmaker that he is. It doesn’t matter what moment in the game, he’s always going to make those big plays.
“We’re definitely expecting their best punch, we just have to go out there and give them ours.”
When Smart was interviewed, the Celtics were going through a rough patch on the defensive end of the floor.
While Smart tried to use James’ Game 7 performance as motivation, the Celtics still suffered a 96-95 defeat in the matchup. But it’s safe to say that the 31-year-old respects LBJ, and it’ll be interesting to see his fit with the 4x NBA champ.
The Laker Nation is currently buzzing with NBA Championship expectations, thanks to Smart’s arrival in LA. So far, Smart has handled the move with utmost professionalism.
He even addressed potentially receiving hatred from Celtics fans as he signed with the Lakers. Smart has been open about Luka Doncic’s role in his signing as well.
One thing that may bug fans is how James has reacted – or hasn’t reacted – to the news.
“I have not talked to LeBron yet. Bron’s a busy man, I’m going to talk to him when he gets time,” Smart told ESPN Los Angeles.
Considering it’s the offseason, it’s no surprise that LBJ hasn’t spoken to Smart yet. After all, the 40-year-old did the same when the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton.
Should this behavior worry Lakers fans? Most likely not.
