Marcus Smart Calls Lakers Offer Disrespectful Prior to Rockets Signing

Marcus Smart agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets, opting to play closer to home in Texas. Smart did not hold back on his departure from Los Angeles, describing the Lakers' larger contract offer as disrespectful and lacking desired security. The former Defensive Player of the Year leaves a massive defensive void that the Lakers will attempt to fill with newcomer Quentin Grimes, while Houston gains his veteran grit and playmaking for the upcoming season.