Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has opened up about his real thoughts on Isaiah Thomas' promising NBA return.

In the hope to temporarily fill a void in their squad, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed former NBA star Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract pursuant to the NBA Hardship Exception provisions.

The news got most of Thomas' former teammates, including Celtics‘ Marcus Smart, whom he played alongside with in Boston from 2015-17.

According to Smart, he's truly happy for Thomas' NBA comeback but at he same time, it is kind of a bittersweet moment seeing his former co-backcourt star rock in a jersey of the Celtics' most notable rivals.

“I'm glad he didn't give up. He's still fighting and proving everybody wrong,” Smart said of Thomas via Celtics on NBC Sports. “I wish it was here, but it's good to see that someone did.”

“I’m just proud he got another chance,” he concluded. “That dude is a fighter, a warrior.”

Thomas' journey back to the league was no walk in the park. After playing only three games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, the former Celtics star had to prove himself in FIBA and in the NBA G-League. Fortunately, his hard work finally paid off.

“It’s been overwhelming for me. It’s been a lot,” Thomas said of his NBA return. “It’s something that I always wanted. It’s something that I worked for. Luckily, I got the opportunity. It’s amazing to be able to be on the Lakers again … I’m thankful for the opportunity, first and foremost.”

“I just prepare for these moments, honestly,” he added.

In his Lakers debut, Thomas immediately showed what LA is in for, having dropped 19 points in 22 minutes of action against the Minnesota Timberwolves.