Celtics history note: Bailey Howell for Mel Counts in 1964 reshaped Boston’s frontcourt, Counts delivering two title runs and solid per-game hours. Howell, from Mississippi State, provided a foundational Celtics stretch, while Counts posted 6.8 points and 5.8 rebounds across his two seasons. The piece also salutes Jim Seminoff and Ryan Gomes on birthdays linked to Boston’s era-spanning tale, and recaps a pivotal 2020 playoff moment when Smart and Tatum fueled a 102-99 win over Toronto to seize early momentum in the bubble.

Boston opened the 2020 East semifinals with a 112-94 win over Toronto in the NBA bubble, led by 21-point nights from Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, plus 18 from Kemba Walker with 10 assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 17 and 5, Daniel Theis added 13 and 15 rebounds, and Robert Williams III chipped in 10 and 5 off the bench as the Celtics cruised from start to finish.

The Raptors, defending champions, never locked in and trailed all game, while Boston’s depth and late-game efficiency gave the series a 1-0 edge. The win came amid a pandemic-era playoff landscape at the Wide World of Sports Complex, and also coincided with the birthday of Celtics icon Robert Parish, a reminder of the franchise’s rich history even as the present game unfolded with a new normal.

Los Angeles plans to be aggressive ahead of the February trade deadline, adding Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to shore up the frontcourt and perimeter defense. Jaxson Hayes could lose minutes as Ayton takes the starting center role, while the team weighs further 3-and-D wings. With LeBron James near the end of his Lakers tenure, the organization is ready to pounce on the right deal to chase a championship, even if stand-pat remains an option to reload for Giannis or Jokic next summer. For fantasy managers, expect rotation volatility around the deadline as the Lakers reshuffle for max win-now impact.

Ayton's arrival should lift FG% and rebounds, Smart boosts steals and 3s, and Hayes' role could shrink unless injuries or rest days open a path back to meaningful minutes. The rumors suggest a mix of midseason moves and a longer-term pursuit, making February a pivotal inflection point for fantasy projections across the roster.

Augustas Marčiulionis is nearing a return from a broken foot, stepping into a Lakers backcourt that just got a lot more interesting with Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia in the mix. The move bolsters depth and creates a potential late-blooming path for the undrafted guard to stick in a crowded rotation.

The Lakers’ depth upgrade could squeeze minutes for veterans but also opens the door for young players, including Marčiulionis, who posted 14.2 points and 5.9 assists per game at Saint Mary’s last season. If he returns healthy, he could push for a backcourt role, offering fantasy-depth intrigue in deeper leagues.

Marcus Smart may land in the Lakers’ starting five to fix a leaky defense, replacing Rui Hachimura in a move scouts say could raise the team’s ceiling on that end. The idea hinges on Smart’s ability to chase multiple position players and act as a primary disruptor as LeBron James and the offense operate around him. Rui would likely slide to a bench role, where his offense could shine without bearing heavy perimeter duties, while Ayton anchors the middle alongside Smart. The debate centers on spacing, since Smart’s 3-point shooting has been a weakness, and the Lakers’ 17th-ranked defensive rating last season underscored how much a return to form on the perimeter could mean for their ceiling. The discussion also weighs LeBron’s aging workload and whether this lineup improves late-season stamina and defensive intensity without sacrificing offensive rhythm.

The piece notes the hypothetical group would feature Luka Doncic among the starting lineup examples, highlighting the tension between elite offense and lockdown defense when guarding teams with top guards and wings. Smart’s presence would free Austin Reaves and LeBron to focus more on scoring while allowing Deandre Ayton to anchor the rim and help rotations. If Redick can tailor lineups to optimize Smart’s defense while mitigating his 3-point gaps, the Lakers could rebut questions about their championship caliber and build a more resilient regular-season identity.