# Marcus Smart transfer to Houston Rockets > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/marcus-smart-transfer-to-houston-rockets > Updated: 2026-10-02T16:31:00.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 5. Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Houston Rockets, departing the Los Angeles Lakers after a single season. The former Defensive Player of the Year declined a $5.4 million player option in Los Angeles to pursue the deal in Houston, which reunites him with coach Ime Udoka. During the Rockets’ media day, Smart characterized the Lakers’ offer as “disrespectful,” arguing that the compensation did not reflect his on-court performance or market value compared to other players. While in Los Angeles, Smart averaged 9.3 points and 3.0 assists. Commenting on the difficulty of securing high-value, multi-year deals, four-time All-Star Draymond Green noted the challenges players face when seeking such contracts after previously playing on minimum deals. In response to the departure and Smart’s comments, Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka emphasized a franchise strategy focused on building a younger, deeper roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Pelinka stated that roster decisions are intended to ensure player career timelines align with the team’s core stars. Following his arrival in Houston, Smart is expected to provide defensive toughness and veteran presence, potentially serving in a rotational role behind players such as Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard. Kevin Durant has praised Smart’s versatility, noting his ability to defend multiple positions, organize the offense, and score from various spots on the floor. Smart joins a Rockets roster centered around a core trio of Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Houston Rockets core trio and Marcus Smart addition draw attention The Houston Rockets are strengthening their roster with a core trio of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, supplemented by the versatile defensive and playmaking skills of Marcus Smart. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/houston-rockets-core-trio-and-marcus-smart-addition-draw-attention ### 2026-09-27: Marcus Smart joins Houston Rockets after Lakers contract dispute Marcus Smart has joined the Houston Rockets on a two-year deal after rejecting a Los Angeles Lakers contract offer he deemed “disrespectful” to his professional value. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcus-smart-joins-houston-rockets-after-lakers-contract-dispute ### 2026-09-25: Marcus Smart signs with Houston Rockets after criticizing Lakers offer Marcus Smart has joined the Houston Rockets on a two-year, $12.4 million deal, calling the Los Angeles Lakers' previous offer “disrespectful” as the Lakers pivot toward a younger roster. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcus-smart-signs-with-houston-rockets-after-criticizing-lakers-offer ### 2026-09-22: Marcus Smart joins Houston Rockets after criticizing Lakers offer Marcus Smart has joined the Houston Rockets on a two-year, $12.4 million deal, calling the Los Angeles Lakers' previous offer “disrespectful” due to a lack of contract security. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alperen-engn-aims-to-become-the-best-player-in-the-nba ### 2026-09-13: Marcus Smart signs two-year deal with Houston Rockets Marcus Smart has signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets after opting out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcus-smart-signs-two-year-deal-with-houston-rockets --- Cite as: Marcus Smart transfer to Houston Rockets. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/marcus-smart-transfer-to-houston-rockets