Throughout this season, Marcus Smart was a terrific X-factor for the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran guard gave them an effective and versatile defender who could also handle the basketball and get others involved, as well as some overall resourcefulness.
They signed him to a two-year, $11 million contract last summer, and that deal has a player option for next season. Belief is growing that Smart will decline that player option and become a free agent, and the Houston Rockets have been discussed as a potential destination for him.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Rockets are now the team that is most likely to sign the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.
“As option day approaches, the belief around the league, according to multiple sources, is that Lakers guard Marcus Smart will opt out and seek a longer-term deal in unrestricted free agency. Smart, 32, was a critical piece for the Lakers last season, starting 54 of 62 games and giving the team its most consistent defensive presence on the perimeter. Smart’s best basketball came in the NBA postseason, when the short-handed Lakers upset Houston in the first round of the playoffs.
“Strangely enough, according to team and league sources, the belief is that the Rockets will be the team most likely to land Smart once free agency opens on June 30 thanks to a multi-year deal. Smart played for Rockets coach Ime Udoka in Boston.”
Smart averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, three assists and 1.4 steals a game in the regular season and put up 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals a game in the playoffs. Losing him would be a sizable blow for the Lakers, as he’s probably the only true plus defender currently on their roster.
Their overall needs are perimeter defense, athleticism and 3-point shooting, and while everyone has been talking about their need for an upgrade at the center position, they also need two-way players at the guard and wing spots. If Smart departs, that need for two-way players will only increase.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Report: Rockets are team most likely to sign Lakers guard Marcus Smart
