Marcus Smart had the chance to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for another season, but he found their contract offer to be “disrespectful” when negotiations began. Although he ultimately signed a deal with the Houston Rockets for less money than the Lakers initially proposed, Smart was put off by what the Lakers presented.
“First off, I played so well that the offer they gave me didn’t reflect my performance, especially when you see others who performed worse getting better deals,” Smart told the Houston Chronicle. “Plus, they weren’t willing to provide the security we wanted.”
The exact details of the Lakers’ offer remain unclear. Last offseason, Smart signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract that included a player option. Since the departure of LeBron James, the Lakers made several significant acquisitions, including signing Austin Reaves to a four-year contract and adding players like Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes. According to The Athletic, the team distributed nearly $480 million across 26 contract years this offseason.
Smart’s contract was not part of those major extensions. After deciding to leave the Lakers, he agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Rockets, averaging roughly $6.2 million per season, with free agency set for 2028.
Last season with the Lakers, Smart averaged 9.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Originally drafted by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick in 2014, he is now preparing to play for his fifth NBA team.
Although his performance has dipped since leaving Boston and he has moved between teams frequently, Smart appreciated the offer from Houston. “They gave me a chance to earn what I’ve worked hard for,” he said. “Providing for my family with a decent paycheck and security over several years was important to me.”
So far, Smart appears to have a strong rapport with his new head coach, Ime Udoka. “He’s everything I’m about, and vice versa,” Udoka commented.
—
Fan Take: This development highlights how even proven veterans like Marcus Smart can face undervaluation despite solid contributions, emphasizing how team dynamics and contract negotiations impact player movement. For basketball fans, Smart’s transition to Houston could rejuvenate his career and add depth to the Rockets, potentially shifting competitive balances in the league.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
