Marcus Smart's Departure from Lakers and New Deal with Rockets

Marcus Smart has left the Los Angeles Lakers to join the Houston Rockets, signing a two-year contract worth $12.4 million with a player option for the second year. This decision came on July 1, 2026, amid speculation regarding his future with the Lakers.

During a podcast, Lakers insider Jovan Buha indicated that Smart may not have been keen on re-signing with Los Angeles, suggesting he was open to exploring new opportunities. On the same day Smart signed with the Rockets, the Lakers announced agreements with players including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton, who secured a two-year deal valued at $19.2 million.