New NBA Rumors Reveal Potential Marcus Smart Landing Spot if Lakers Contract Option Declined
Two days away from the deadline to pick up his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for next season, Marcus Smart would have a market if he decides to test free agency.
Per NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Houston Rockets would have interest in adding Smart if he opts out of his deal with the Lakers.
The report also notes other teams could possibly get involved for Smart, who is "very much giving consideration" to declining his $5.4 million option with the Lakers.
Stein and Fischer reported on Sunday that Houston's interest in the guard is "only sounding more serious." Stein and Fischer noted there is an expectation that Smart would get a three-year offer with a higher annual average value than $5.4 million.
Austin Reaves, who has already agreed to a four-year, $185 million extension with the Lakers, reportedly won't sign the deal until after they have used their cap space to ensure they have as much flexibility as possible.
The Lakers technically have up to $50 million in cap space, but that depends on how things play out with pending free agents LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Their combined cap holds account for nearly $87 million.
The sooner the Lakers know what's going to happen with James and Hachimura, the sooner they can start working to use their remaining cap space and fill out the roster.
Smart is a key piece for the Lakers because they need a guard off the bench who can play defense. Reaves and Luka Dončić will drive a high-level offense, but they are limited on the other end of the court.
A team like the Rockets could appeal to Smart because of his familiarity with Ime Udoka, who was his head coach during the 2021-22 season with the Boston Celtics.
Houston would likely slot in Smart as its backup two-guard with Reed Sheppard in the starting lineup.
If Smart were to leave the Lakers for Houston, the Rockets would also be taking away a key player from a Western Conference playoff contender as they look to take steps forward after losing in the first round in each of the past two seasons.
Smart averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 62 appearances for the Lakers last season. He had one of his best games against the Rockets in Game 2 of the first round with 25 points, seven assists and five steals in a 101-94 win.
