Marcus Smart signs with Houston Rockets after criticizing Lakers offer

Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Houston Rockets, opting to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after a single season. During the Rockets' media day, Smart described the Lakers' contract offer as “disrespectful,” stating it did not reflect his performance or market value compared to other players.

Smart, who averaged 9.3 points and 3.0 assists during his time in Los Angeles, declined a $5.4 million player option to pursue the deal with Houston. The move reunites him with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, whom Smart previously played under during their time with the Boston Celtics.

In response to Smart’s comments, Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the franchise's strategy to build a younger, deeper roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Pelinka noted that the team's roster decisions were intentional to ensure players' career timelines align with the team's core stars.