The Houston Rockets might be getting ready to take Marcus Smart from the Los Angeles Lakers after his stellar performance in the 2026 Playoffs.
Smart was instrumental in the Lakers’ upset first-round series win over the Rockets without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (played just two games).
His performance against Houston might have prompted the Western Conference rival to target the potential free agent this summer.
Rockets circling if Marcus Smart rejects his Lakers’ player option
According to Marc Stein, Smart is considering declining the $5.4 million player option on his contract to test free agency, which might lead to a Houston reunion with former Celtics head coach Ime Udoka.
“The Rockets do, however, loom as a possible free agent destination for another one of Udoka’s former players in Boston: Marcus Smart. League sources say that Smart, who is expected to draw interest from Houston and possibly other teams in free agency, is very much considering declining his $5.4 million player option for next season with the Lakers before Monday’s deadline to do so and then proceed to the open market.”
Smart averaged 9.3 points and 1.4 steals last season, registering the highest plus/minus (+256) of any Laker over the season.
He shone in the Playoffs, averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks against the Rockets in the first round.
His production boost was helped by Doncic and Reaves’ absence, but he’s a former DPOY who’s improved as a three-point shooter in recent seasons.
With the Lakers eyeing big targets in free agency and also needing to deal with free agents like LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, Smart might be gone before they get a chance to act.
How the Rockets can take Marcus Smart away from the Lakers
The easiest way for the Rockets to accomplish acquiring Smart is by offering him a sizable portion of the $15 million mid-level exception. Giving Smart the entire amount might be a conversation-ending guarantee of signing him, but the Rockets won’t want to overplay their hand either.
A cleaner solution, which allows the Rockets to acquire Smart and maintain their exception for other signings, is a sign-and-trade that exchanges Smart for Dorian Finney-Smith.
Smith is a former Laker who left after the Rockets enticed him away with a bigger offer in the 2025 offseason. He’s coming off a rough season, averaging 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds, but his relationship and fit alongside Doncic might make him an acceptable addition.
If Smart is leaving anyway, acquiring Smith is a silver lining for the Lakers. They have a lot of business to finalize this summer, and Smart is likely low on the priority list right now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
