Marcus Smart was convinced to move on from the Los Angeles Lakers after not receiving the value and consideration he thinks he deserves.
The new Houston Rockets offered a new perspective behind his exit from LA this past offseason during his media availability ahead of the NBA China Games 2026.
"I mean, I wouldn't say it's unnatural," Smart told reporters if he felt bizarre leaving the Lakers. "Definitely, I had some thoughts. Definitely thought I played well enough to at least be offered a decent to return, but no, they had a different mindset, a different way.
"And that's part of the business. You respect it. You might not like it, but you gotta respect it, right? They wanted to go younger, and that's kind of what they did. And that's what they wanted to do. So, you know, you take the caps off."
Marcus Smart disrespected by Lakers after solid season
Marcus Smart left the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason by signing a two-year, $13 million contract with the Houston Rockets.
He reunited with head coach Ime Udoka, with whom he shares a significant relationship dating back to their 2022 NBA Finals run with the Boston Celtics.
In the Rockets' Media Day, Smart candidly confessed that he felt disrespected and subsequently declined the Lakers' contract offer as a free agent.
After tallying 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in the 2025-26 regular season, Smart stepped up and became LA's X-factor in the previous NBA Playoffs, averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
Smart fully embraced being the Lakers' defensive anchor and vocal presence, which helped them gain a 53-win season and a trip to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Now, after aiding the Lakers last year, Smart couldn't be more determined to get payback with the Rockets.