Marcus Smart did not leave the Los Angeles Lakers because of a lack of opportunity. Instead, the veteran guard says the contract presented to him did not reflect what he believed he had earned with his performance.
Smart declined a two-year, $10.5 million deal and entered free agency after becoming an increasingly important part of the Lakers’ rotation. He later described Los Angeles’ offer as “disrespectful,” particularly when comparing it with contracts received by other players around the league.
“First off, I played so well that the offer that was ultimately given didn’t match the way that I played,” he said to the Houston Chronicle, “Especially when you see guys who played way worse than I did, the offers they’re getting. And then it wasn’t any security that we wanted that they were willing to do.”
Smart eventually returned to his home state of Texas, agreeing to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Houston Rockets that includes a player option. The move also reunited him with Ime Udoka, who previously coached Smart during their time together with the Boston Celtics.
The 32-year-old explained that he was looking for either greater long-term security or stronger financial compensation on a shorter contract.
“They gave me an opportunity to be able to go out and try to get what I’ve earned,” Smart said to the Houston Chronicle, “And what I’ve been working my tail off to provide for my family is a decent-sized paycheck with obviously years on it, right? Or a big paycheck with less years, but to be able to have that option.”
His departure came during a busy Lakers offseason in which the franchise made major financial commitments elsewhere. Los Angeles committed a combined $480 million to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, with Kessler arriving from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade and receiving a four-year, $129.5 million contract.
The Lakers also added Collin Sexton on a two-year, $19.2 million deal, Quentin Grimes on a four-year, $60 million contract and Sandro Mamukelashvili for $52 million. Each of those agreements includes a player option.
Smart, meanwhile, had initially been expected to provide veteran depth after joining Los Angeles. His role grew during the season, however, and his defense eventually helped him earn a place in the starting lineup during the playoffs.
He finished the season with a 116.9 defensive rating while averaging 2.2 defensive rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks per game.
