The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics are getting ready to write another chapter in basketball’s greatest rivalry this Sunday, February 22, 2026. However, this game carries an extra layer of drama. Marcus Smart, the former heart and soul of the Celtics, will face his old team for the first time while wearing the Lakers’ famous purple and gold.
While the two teams met earlier this season on December 5, Smart was sidelined with a muscle strain, making tonight his official on-court rivalry debut. Whether you are cheering from Boston or Los Angeles, this is a game you do not want to miss.
Let us break down the storylines, the starting lineups, and the key matchups.
The Return of Marcus Smart
For nearly a decade, Marcus Smart was the defensive anchor for the Boston Celtics, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. Seeing him suit up for the Lakers, a team he joined in July 2025 after a buyout from the Washington Wizards, is still a shock to many Boston supporters.
Smart brings his trademark hustle and leadership to a squad he was personally recruited to join by Luka Dončić. Facing his former teammates, especially Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, will be a true test of emotions and skill. Smart knows the Celtics’ system inside and out, which gives the Lakers a unique tactical advantage in this matchup.
The Starting Lineups
Both teams look very different this season due to massive trades and unfortunate injuries. The Lakers (34–21) enter tonight having just split their four-game season series with the Clippers following a thrilling 125–122 victory on Friday. The Celtics (36–19) continue to hold the No. 2 seed in the East despite their injury woes.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers, coached by JJ Redick, boast a powerful starting five that is finally at full health with no minutes restrictions for Austin Reaves or Luka Dončić.
-
Point Guard: Luka Dončić (NBA Scoring Leader)
-
Shooting Guard: Austin Reaves
-
Small Forward: Marcus Smart
-
Power Forward: LeBron James
-
Center: Deandre Ayton
Boston Celtics
The Celtics are playing without Jayson Tatum, who is entering his 40th week of rehab following an Achilles tear last May and is targeting a March 27 return. While they recently acquired Nikola Vučević, he has been utilized primarily as a spacing threat off the bench to preserve the team’s defensive chemistry.
-
Point Guard: Derrick White
-
Shooting Guard: Baylor Scheierman
-
Small Forward: Jaylen Brown
-
Power Forward: Sam Hauser
-
Center: Neemias Queta
Key Matchups to Watch
-
Luka Dončić vs Derrick White: Dončić is an offensive genius, but White is one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. Slowing down the league’s top scorer will be the Celtics’ top priority.
-
Deandre Ayton vs Neemias Queta: A battle of the traditional bigs. Queta has been a revelation as a starter, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game, and will need to outwork the athletic Ayton on the glass.
-
Jaylen Brown vs LeBron James: With Tatum out, Jaylen Brown has taken over as the primary scoring option (29.2 PPG). His head-to-head moments with the 41-year-old James will be the deciding factor in the closing minutes.
Final Thoughts
Rivalry games are rarely decided by statistics alone; they are driven by energy, history, and pride. The Lakers have the healthier and more star-studded roster, but you can never underestimate the fighting spirit of the Boston Celtics, especially when facing a former teammate for the first time.