Marcus Smart has left the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, signing a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets after just one season in Los Angeles. The move sees the former Defensive Player of the Year reunite with coach Ime Udoka. Smart's exit is part of a significant roster turnover for the Lakers, who have added 10 new players this offseason while parting ways with several key figures.
Speaking on the Third Apron podcast, Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic provided context for the surprising departure. "I don't have great clarity on this, and there are differing accounts of how it all went down, but my understanding is that to some degree, Smart was ready to move forward in a different situation," Buha said. The guard had a solid individual season, averaging 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He was important in the Lakers' first-round playoff upset of the Rockets last season. Despite the Lakers' clear need for perimeter defense, Smart chose to join Udoka in Houston. Luka Doncic had recruited Smart to Los Angeles just last summer, convincing him to sign his initial two-year deal which included a player option.
The Lakers faced substantial roster changes beyond just Marcus Smart. LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes all signed with new teams this summer. Deandre Ayton was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal to acquire Jaden Hardy. In response, the front office has been exceptionally active. They brought in 10 new players through the draft, trades and free agency to reshape the team. The new arrivals include guard Cameron Carr via the NBA Draft, center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade, and forward-center Sandro Mamukelashvili in free agency. The list continues with wing Quentin Grimes, guard Collin Sexton, center Kevon Looney, guard Jaden Hardy via trade, defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle, forward Ziaire Williams and two-way contract forward AK Okereke.
The Lakers have locked in Austin Reaves with a new four-year contract, securing him as Luka Doncic's primary backcourt partner for the future. This massive roster overhaul comes as the team looks to bounce back from a tough stretch of games. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
Smart's deal with Houston is reportedly for two years and $13 million, with a player option for the second season. His departure closes a brief but notable chapter for the Lakers, who now turn the page to a new era with a dramatically different squad. The success of this offseason's moves will be judged by how quickly the new pieces fit together on the court.
