Marcus Smart joins Rockets after Lakers' disappointing contract offer
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 2:26 AM
Last updated Sep 24, 2026
Marcus Smart has begun training camp with the Houston Rockets after signing a two-year contract. He felt disrespected by a smaller contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, who he played for last season. Smart indicated that despite playing well, the offer did not reflect his performance and lacked security. The Rockets made him feel valued, a factor in his decision to move. Smart's connections to family in Texas and the absence of state income tax also influenced his choice. The Rockets and Lakers are set to face each other on November 30, adding intrigue to Smart's transition.
- •Smart received a two-year, $12.4 million contract from the Rockets.
- •He felt the Lakers' offer was 'disrespectful' given his performance.
- •Smart has strong family ties in Texas.
- •The Rockets play the Lakers on November 30.
- •Houston head coach Ime Udoka previously coached Smart in Boston.
- 2:26 AMYahoo Sports — Rockets' Marcus Smart sounds off on Lakers for 'disrespectful' contract offer that led to Houston
- 1:34 AMYahoo Sports — Rockets guard Marcus Smart felt disrespected by Lakers’ contract offer
"There was a lot of curiosity as to why Marcus Smart didn't re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. It turns out there may be no love lost between the two.
"Marcus Smart told the Houston Chronicle’s Varun Shankar that he joined the Rockets after receiving a “disrespectful” offer from his former team.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 24, 2026, 2:26 AMRockets' Marcus Smart sounds off on Lakers for 'disrespectful' contract offer that led to Houston
There was a lot of curiosity as to why Marcus Smart didn't re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. It turns out there may be no love lost between the two.
- Yahoo SportsSep 24, 2026, 1:34 AMRockets guard Marcus Smart felt disrespected by Lakers’ contract offer
Marcus Smart told the Houston Chronicle’s Varun Shankar that he joined the Rockets after receiving a “disrespectful” offer from his former team.
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