The Lakers have already locked in one major piece of their 2025-26 roster, keeping Austin Reaves on board with a four-year, $185 million contract extension. But not every decision is going their way this summer.
One of Los Angeles’ most useful free agents is heading elsewhere. Marcus Smart, Luka Doncic’s 6-foot-3 fan-favorite teammate, has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal also includes a player option for the second season.
"Free agent guard Marcus Smart has agreed on a two-year, $13 million deal with the Houston Rockets, plus a player option for the second season," ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday. "The former Defensive Player of the Year reunites with Ime Udoka for significant opportunity in the Rockets backcourt."
Smart’s move closes the door on a reunion with the Lakers after Doncic pushed for him before last offseason. Doncic saw Smart as a natural fit in Los Angeles, pointing to the guard’s defensive edge and the kind of high-IQ offense that can make a team cleaner on both ends.
The Lakers took the hint and signed Smart to a two-year deal, and he delivered in Year 1. He spent the season hounding ballhandlers 94 feet, bringing edge on defense and chipping in offensively when the Lakers needed it.
In 62 games, the Oklahoma State product averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 39.5% from the field and 33.1% from 3-point range.
Los Angeles likely wanted to keep Smart in the fold, but Houston’s offer proved too strong for the 32-year-old to turn down.
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