Marcus Smart joins Houston Rockets after criticizing Lakers offer

Veteran guard Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets, opting to leave the Los Angeles Lakers despite the Lakers reportedly offering a higher total salary. Smart described the Lakers' offer as “disrespectful,” stating that the compensation did not match his on-court performance and lacked the contractual security he desired.

Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, noted that while the Lakers were active in the offseason, their proposal did not reflect his value compared to other players receiving larger contracts. The move to Houston reunites Smart with coach Ime Udoka and allows him to play in his home state of Texas.

In related news, Houston Rockets player Alperen Şengün expressed his ambitions during the team's media day, stating that his ultimate goal is to become the best player in the NBA.