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12-year NBA veteran guard Marcus Smart departed the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, and his exit reportedly came down to contract terms rather than concerns about his health or ability to perform.
According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, Los Angeles offered Smart fewer years and less money than desired, prompting him to walk away in free agency.
"They just chose to offer him less years, less money, and he got offended by that," he said on Buha's Block. "He decided he wasn't gonna stay, and they went in a different direction."
Smart eventually signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets.
The 32-year-old reportedly accepted less money from Houston than what the Lakers had offered, but he later described Los Angeles' proposal as "disrespectful."
Smart spent one season with the Lakers, averaging 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals in 62 regular-season games.
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Reporter dismisses idea that Lakers moved on because of Smart's health
"I don't think this is a DFS situation where Marcus is cooked," Buha said, referring to Dorian Finney-Smith. He explained that with Finney-Smith, the Lakers had concerns about surgery, health, and whether he could continue contributing at the same level.
"That's not Marcus," Buha continued, reiterating that the disagreement centered on years and money.
The LA insider also made clear that he still viewed Smart as an important player for the Lakers.
"I would still prefer Smart, to be completely honest, because I just think Marcus Smart is a better player than Collin Sexton," he said. "Sexton's going to average more points, and he's a better shooter... but I think Marcus can run the offense. I think Marcus is actually a better passer than Sexton."
"I think Marcus had this intangible quality that just amplified lineups," Buha continued. "Marcus Smart from the beginning of the season was just dominant in terms of on-off plus-minus. The Lakers were a much better team on both sides of the ball with Marcus Smart out there."