As Jrue Holiday went from being a devoted Lakers fan to a vital member of the Boston Celtics last summer, he encountered a novel problem. The two-time NBA champion and All-Star had to make peace with his new position in Boston, a franchise he had formerly detested, and his childhood loyalty to the Lakers.
Holiday attended UCLA to play collegiate basketball after growing up in the San Fernando Valley. Born in Chatsworth, he attended Campbell Hall School in Studio City, a part of the Valley, for his high school education before participating in his only NCAA season at UCLA’s Westwood campus in 2008–09. Holiday was selected to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team during his one-and-done collegiate career.
At first, he felt a little out of place wearing Celtics green. But as he became used to his new surroundings and assimilated into the team’s culture, he felt the excitement of leading Boston to a title. Holiday said to Conor Ryan of Boston.com, “I’m from L.A.” I was raised as a Lakers fan. So, on the first day, I felt a little strange wearing the green.And after I adjusted to the green a little bit, we won the title. After I had gotten used to the place and the fans, this [championship] is insane. It seems like I say it all the time, but there are no words to express the joy that comes with winning a championship.”
The Celtics broke the tie with the Lakers for the most titles in NBA history by winning their 18th championship after finishing the regular season with an incredible 64-18 record and dominating the postseason. Holiday moved from being the primary ballhandler for the Milwaukee Bucks to a more supportive position as a playmaker with defensive standout Derrick White, fellow All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and others.
The Celtics now have one of the strongest starting lineups in the NBA after Kristaps Porzingis joined. As Porzingis recovers from ankle surgery, the Celtics will start their title defense without him.
It is anticipated that Al Horford will start, with Xavier Tillman likely filling in as a backup. Holiday’s transformation from Lakers supporter to Celtics champion serves as a reminder of the intricacies of professional sports and the personal transitions athletes must make as the season draws near.
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