Overview
- Smart told reporters Thursday that the Lakers’ offer did not match his 2025–26 contributions and lacked the multi-year security he wanted, and he declined to disclose the exact terms.
- He signed a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets that includes a player option for the second season and said family ties in Texas and a strong working relationship with coach Ime Udoka helped prompt the move.
- Reporting places the Rockets contract at roughly $12.4–$13 million over two years, a package Smart said provided the security and feeling of being wanted that Los Angeles did not.
- Smart’s breakout in the 2026 playoffs — including higher scoring, playmaking and steals — is cited by him and reporters as the basis for his belief he deserved a stronger offer from the Lakers.
- Observers point to the Lakers’ heavy offseason spending, reported at nearly $480 million across many contracts, as the backdrop to criticism over how Los Angeles valued veteran role players and locker-room contributors.