Marcus Smart is heading to Houston on a two-year, $13 million deal with a player option for the second season, giving the Rockets a proven defensive guard at a modest price. The move also reunites Smart with head coach Ime Udoka, a connection that could matter quickly in a crowded backcourt.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Smart made the decision Wednesday morning and had his agents, Jason Glushon and Josh Ketroser, inform Rockets officials. The agreement comes after Smart declined his $5.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers and entered free agency.
Why the Rockets targeted Smart
Smart, 32, brings a resume built around defense, toughness, and playoff experience. He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year earlier in his career, and Houston gets him after he showed signs of finding his form again in Los Angeles.
The Lakers outscored opponents by 256 points during Smart’s minutes last season, and he finished as the team’s plus-minus leader. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while starting 54 of the 62 games he played.
| Player | Deal | Last Season Team | Notable Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Smart | Two years, $13 million, player option for Year 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | 9.3 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG |
A playoff impact that stood out
Smart’s postseason work may have been even more important for Houston’s evaluation. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined for Game 3 of the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets, Smart delivered 21 points, 10 assists, and five steals in an improbable comeback win that forced overtime.
His defense remained disruptive throughout the playoffs, where his 2.4 steals per game ranked third among all players in the 2026 postseason. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to the report that detailed the agreement.