Lakers News: Childhood Fan Jrue Holiday Faces Challenge Adjusting to Celtics Culture

Jrue Holiday faced a unique challenge last summer when he transitioned from being a lifelong Lakers fan to a key player for the Boston Celtics.

The two-time NBA champion and All-Star had to reconcile his childhood allegiance to the Lakers with his new role in Boston, a team he had previously viewed with disdain.

Holiday grew up in the San Fernando Valley and played college basketball at UCLA.

He was born in Chatsworth, went to high school in Studio City (also in the Valley) at Campbell Hall School, and then played his lone NCAA season, 2008-09 at UCLA in Westwood. During that one-and-done collegiate run, Holiday was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team.

He found the adjustment to wearing Celtics green a bit strange at first. However, as he settled into his new environment and embraced the team's culture, he experienced the thrill of winning a championship with Boston.

“I’m from L.A.,” Holiday told Conor Ryan of Boston.com . “I grew up a Lakers fan. So putting on the green was a bit weird for me, like on the first day.

"And then once I kind of got used to the green — we win the championship… Once I kind of just got acclimated to the city, and the fans — this [championship], it’s crazy. I feel like I keep on saying that, but there’s no word that can describe the feeling when you win that championship.”

The Celtics finished the regular season with an impressive 64-18 record and dominated the playoffs, ultimately capturing their 18th title and breaking their tie with the Lakers for the most championships in NBA history.

In his new role, Holiday shifted from being the lead ballhandler with the Milwaukee Bucks to a more supportive playmaker alongside fellow All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as defensive standout Derrick White.

The addition of Kristaps Porzingis further solidified the Celtics' starting lineup, making it one of the strongest in the league.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will begin their title defense without Porzingis, who is recovering from ankle surgery. Al Horford is expected to step in as a starter, with Xavier Tillman likely taking on backup duties.

As the season approaches, Holiday's journey from Lakers fan to Celtics champion highlights the complexities of professional sports and the personal adjustments players must make in their careers.