Marcus Smart Turns Down $5.4M Lakers Option. Is Houston His Next Stop?

Marcus Smart is walking away from his Lakers player option. The veteran guard turned down $5.4 million for next season and will hit unrestricted free agency, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. That decision is the first real domino in what could be a quick pivot to Houston.

Reports have been floating around for days that the Rockets are the team to watch once free agency opens Tuesday night. Lakers beat writer Dan Woike reported that league sources believe Houston is the most likely landing spot for Smart on a multi-year deal. That would put him back with Ime Udoka, his former head coach in Boston. Smart and Udoka had a good run with the Celtics, and Houston’s backcourt could use exactly what Smart brings — perimeter defense that can lock up most guards in the league and a veteran presence who doesn’t panic with the ball.

What This Means for the Lakers

If Smart leaves, L.A. has a real problem behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The depth chart at guard looks thin right now, and the Lakers don’t have a ton of flexibility to go shopping. They’ll need to hit the trade market or find a bargain in free agency fast. The team just handed Reaves a massive extension, and there’s still the whole LeBron James situation hanging over everything. Losing Smart leaves a hole in the rotation that won’t be easy to fill on a short timeline.

Smart isn’t the same guy who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. He’s 31 now and his offense has been shaky at times. But teams still value what he does on the other end. He’s physical, he’s smart, and he can make life miserable for opposing ball handlers. For a Houston team trying to take the next step after years of rebuilding, that kind of presence matters.

The Rockets have young guards like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, but they don’t have a defensive stopper who also helps run the offense. Smart could be that guy. And playing for Udoka again? That connection might be the deciding factor.

Free agency officially opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. Eastern. Smart can sign wherever he wants after that. Houston looks like the favorite right now, but nothing is done until the ink dries.