In a sensational and provocative statement, Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has branded Memphis as the city with the 'ugliest' fans in the entire NBA. The 31-year-old defensive specialist, who endured a tumultuous season with the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded, made the blunt declaration during a recent interview on NBAT2.
Smart's Controversial Comments
When directly asked to name the city with the least attractive fanbase in the league, Smart pointed unequivocally at Memphis, despite his previous connections to the organization. 'Memphis,' Smart said bluntly. 'And I feel bad for 'em because Memphis is for the people. But this ain't it.'
The remark has triggered immediate and fierce backlash from the Grizzlies' faithful, who had already grown disillusioned with Smart following his injury-plagued tenure and subsequent criticisms of the team's internal culture. The interview clip has rapidly gone viral across social media platforms, with fans and local commentators accusing the veteran guard of taking 'unnecessary strays' at a city that once welcomed him with open arms.
Fractured Relationship Deepens
This latest comment adds another bitter layer to what has become a severely fractured relationship between Smart and the city of Memphis since his departure in February 2025. After being traded to Washington and eventually landing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Smart has been vocal about the 'dysfunctional' environment he claims to have witnessed during his brief stint with the Grizzlies.
He previously asserted that the team's struggles began when he was traded, alleging that the front office believed he 'didn't want to be there' while he was rehabilitating from an injury. 'I'm here every day working my a** off, cheering. I'm the only one on the bench coaching, but you know how it is,' Smart remarked in a separate interview late last year.
New Beginnings and Ongoing Tensions
Since then, the veteran guard has found a new home in Los Angeles, signing a two-year, $11 million deal in July 2025 to join stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic in the Lakers' backcourt. Smart remains a defensive anchor in the Hollywood rotation, most recently recording five steals and nine points in a 128-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on March 1.
However, despite this fresh start in California, Smart continues to face intense heat from his former fans for his outspoken commentary. This ensures that the bad blood persists even as he pursues another championship title with the Lakers, keeping the controversy alive in the public eye.
