Smart recently revealed why he left Los Angeles after only one year with the Lakers
Marcus Smart’s departure from the Los Angeles Lakers initially seemed like a simple case of a veteran choosing a new opportunity. After just one season with the Lakers, Smart declined his $5.4 million player option and entered free agency, leading to being signed by the Houston Rockets on a two-year, $12.4 million contract that includes a player option for the second season.
Bleacher Report has now publicly revealed that the Lakers’ contract offer was “disrespectful.” Smart said the offer did not reflect how well he believed he played, particularly when compared with other players receiving better contracts.
Ironically, Smart helped the Lakers eliminate Houston in a six-game first-round series, producing several standout performances along the way. Houston then turned around and signed the veteran guard during the offseason. The Rockets had already seen firsthand what Smart could bring to a playoff series, including a 21-point, 10-assist performance in Game 3.
Udoka is very familiar with Smart, in fact. Smart is reuniting with head coach Ime Udoka, whom he played for during their run together with the Boston Celtics. Their previous relationship should make Smart's transition into Houston's system relatively familiar. In 2021-22, Udoka coached Boston to the NBA Finals while Smart won Defensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Defense honors.
The Rockets are not bringing in the same offensive player Smart was earlier in his career. At 32 and entering his 13th NBA season, his biggest value should come from defense, toughness, experience and secondary playmaking. Last season with the Lakers, he averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals while shooting 39.5% from the field and 33.1% from three.
That role could fit Houston particularly well. With Fred VanVleet and other offensive playmakers handling much of the scoring burden, Smart can focus on defending opposing guards, organizing the second unit and providing another veteran voice.
Smart should become a valuable part of Houston’s point guard depth, serving as the primary backup to Fred VanVleet. Offensively, Smart is expected to take on a significant role with the second unit as a primary ball handler and playmaker.
Defensively, Smart brings the toughness, intensity and basketball IQ that fit naturally into Ime Udoka’s system. His ability to defend multiple positions, pressure the ball and make smart rotations should make him a useful piece in Houston’s switching-heavy defensive approach.
Smart also adds a veteran leader with playoff experience to the team. This holds a lot of intangible value since Houston is a young team with hopes of making a run deep into the playoffs. How big of an impact can Smart make?
