The Los Angeles Lakers have another key offseason decision to address after veteran guard Marcus Smart officially declined his $5.4 million player option and will enter unrestricted free agency. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news just one day before the start of free agency, ending weeks of speculation surrounding Smart’s future in Los Angeles.
The move does not necessarily close the door on a Lakers return. Instead, it gives Smart the opportunity to test the open market after rebuilding his value during the 2025-26 season.
The 32-year-old averaged 9.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 39.5% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range during the regular season. While those numbers were modest, his impact extended far beyond the box score.
Smart reminded everyone why he won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award during the Lakers’ first-round playoff series. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both sidelined for stretches of the matchup, Smart stepped into a much larger offensive role while continuing to anchor the defense.
He averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds in that opening-round series, shooting an impressive 46.4% from the field and 44.8% from beyond the arc. His leadership and defensive intensity played a major role in helping Los Angeles upset the Houston Rockets despite entering the series as underdogs.
His strong finish appears to have increased his value around the league. Prior reports indicated Smart was seriously considering opting out because several teams were expected to pursue him in free agency. Among them, the Houston Rockets have consistently been viewed as one of the strongest suitors.
Houston head coach Ime Udoka coached Smart for several years in Boston, and league insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer previously reported the Rockets have genuine interest in reuniting with the veteran guard. More recent reports suggested Houston could even be preparing a three-year contract worth significantly more than Smart’s previous $5.4 million salary.
The Lakers now face an important decision. Los Angeles entered the offseason prioritizing frontcourt upgrades around Luka Doncic after signing Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million extension. The franchise has also been linked to multiple starting centers and several wing defenders, but retaining Smart remains a significant piece of the puzzle.
Finding another veteran capable of defending multiple positions, organizing the offense and bringing championship experience will not be easy. For Smart, declining the option represents an opportunity to secure what could be one of the final long-term contracts of his NBA career.
Whether that next deal comes from the Lakers or another contender remains one of the more intriguing storylines heading into free agency, but after betting on himself, Smart is now positioned to be one of the top veteran guards available on the open market.
