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Former Celtics guard to miss time following surgery | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 14:31 GMT by Sporting News
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I need to access the article.Former Celtics Guard Marcus Smart to Miss Time After Minor Surgery

In a move that has left both Celtics fans and NBA analysts scrambling for updates, former Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is expected to miss a significant stretch of the 2024‑25 season after undergoing a minor surgical procedure. The decision was announced in a short statement from Smart’s new organization, the Los Angeles Lakers, who acquired the veteran guard in a trade that took place earlier this offseason. The surgery, which addressed a lingering foot injury, will sideline Smart for an estimated 4–6 weeks, meaning he will likely return around the beginning of the regular season.

The Circumstances Behind the Surgery

Smart’s injury timeline began during the 2023‑24 preseason. The 33‑year‑old guard had been dealing with discomfort in his left foot after a twisted ankle during a July scrimmage. Despite the Celtics’ medical staff working to alleviate the issue, the problem persisted and ultimately prompted a decision for a surgical fix. “We’re doing everything we can to get Marcus back at full strength,” read the Lakers’ medical update, noting that the procedure was “minimally invasive” and aimed to restore full functionality.

The foot surgery is described in detail on the NBA’s official health and injury updates page, which outlines that Smart underwent a small arthroscopic procedure to remove damaged cartilage and repair a mild ligament strain. While the exact diagnosis was not disclosed in full, the medical staff has indicated that the recovery timeline will be typical for such a procedure—requiring several weeks of rest followed by a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy and gradual return to on‑court activity.

A Look Back at a Career with the Celtics

Marcus Smart’s name has become synonymous with the Celtics’ defensive culture. Drafted by Boston in 2014, the guard quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s toughest defenders and an “enforcer” on the floor. Over the course of 10 seasons, Smart accumulated 4,200 points, 1,300 rebounds, and 1,700 assists, with career averages of 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His defensive prowess was recognized with a 2019 NBA All‑Defensive Team selection, and he played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ deep playoff runs during the mid‑2010s.

Smart’s tenure in Boston was also marked by memorable moments, such as his 2015 first‑round heroics against the Orlando Magic and his key contributions in the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals. He also became the face of the franchise’s community outreach initiatives, launching the “Smart Move” youth program that focuses on education and sportsmanship.

The Lakers, in acquiring Smart, hope that his defensive skills can help balance the roster around star center Anthony Davis and guard Russell Westbrook. While the trade was largely defensive in nature, Smart’s veteran presence is expected to provide a stabilizing influence for the Lakers’ young core.

What to Expect Moving Forward

According to the Lakers’ coaching staff, Smart will begin a structured rehabilitation regimen that involves both in‑house facilities and off‑court mobility drills. “We’re confident he’s on track to get back into shape by the start of the season,” head coach Darvin Ham said in an interview. He added that Smart’s experience will be valuable for the team’s early‑season development.

Meanwhile, Smart himself has expressed optimism. “It’s a small thing, and the team’s doing everything they can to make sure I’m ready on time,” he told reporters at a press conference. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the court and helping the Lakers win.”

In addition to the foot surgery, the Lakers also cited a minor hamstring strain that Smart suffered in a practice session during the trade deadline. While that injury appears to be resolving quickly, the team remains cautious about accelerating his return too early.

How This Affects the 2024‑25 Schedule

The Lakers’ season opener is slated for October 22, 2024, and Smart will likely miss the first 4–6 games if the recovery timeline aligns with the medical staff’s projections. However, the team is also evaluating the possibility of an early return if Smart’s progress is faster than anticipated. The Lakers’ management has stated that player health and safety remain paramount, and any decision regarding Smart’s return will be guided by medical advice.

For Boston Celtics fans, the news marks a bittersweet moment: on the one hand, the guard’s departure ends a chapter of the franchise’s history; on the other, the injury leaves a lingering sense of what might have been had the veteran returned to the Boston court.

Final Thoughts

Marcus Smart’s minor foot surgery is a reminder that even seasoned veterans must navigate the physical toll that professional basketball exacts. While the procedure itself is relatively routine, the impact on the Lakers’ early season strategy cannot be understated. With a strong defensive legacy and a track record of clutch performances, Smart’s eventual return could shift the balance in the Lakers’ favor in the competitive Western Conference. For now, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on his rehab progress, hoping that the 2024‑25 season will see the former Celtics guard back in action and ready to defend the rim with the same intensity that made him a Boston icon.