Marcus Smart’s departure from the Los Angeles Lakers was reportedly driven in part by the veteran guard’s desire for a fresh start elsewhere.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha discussed the circumstances surrounding Smart’s exit, while acknowledging that there are different versions of exactly how the situation unfolded.
“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.
Smart ultimately joined the Houston Rockets on a two-year, $13 million contract, bringing his Lakers tenure to an end after one season.
The move also reunited him with Houston coach Ime Udoka, who previously coached Smart during Boston’s run to the 2022 NBA Finals.
The 32-year-old provided Los Angeles with defense, toughness and experience last season. Smart averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game while taking on an important defensive role.
Los Angeles responded to his departure by reshaping its supporting cast around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers added Quentin Grimes on a four-year, $60 million contract and Collin Sexton on a two-year, $19 million deal to strengthen their backcourt.
The team also brought in Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, adding more defensive options on the wing.
