A native of Texas Marcus Smart wanted to play closer to home as he enters the final stretch of his NBA career, but he was also unhappy with the offer Lakers made ahead of free will Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle writes in history only for subscribers. Without elaborating, Smart called Los Angeles’ offer “disrespectful” during an interview with Shankar on Tuesday at a media event.
“First of all, I played so well that the offer that ended up being made didn’t reflect the way I played.” smart said “Especially when you see the guys who played much worse than me, the offers they get. And then it was no security, what we wanted them to be ready to do.”
After two injury-riddled years, Smart reignited his career last season, appearing in 62 games and earning a spot in the Lakers’ starting lineup. He provided a much-needed defensive upgrade and a strong veteran presence for a team that won 53 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
As a result, he signed a a two-year, $12.4 million contract with Rocketswhich, he admits, is less than he could have earned staying with the Lakers. The deal includes a player option for a second season, so he’ll have a chance to recoup some of the money he lost.
“They gave me a chance to go out and try to get what I’ve earned,” smart said “And what I was doing to provide for my family was a decent salary with obviously years of accruals, right? Or a big salary with fewer years but to have that opportunity.”
There are more from Houston:
- Kevin Durant refused to consider his future during a conversation with reporters during media day, trans Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle. General manager Raphael Stone Durant said happy to be in houstonbut Durant didn’t dwell on what might happen to the $46 million player option he has for next summer. “I don’t think about anything like that” he said. “I’ve enjoyed coming to work every day. I’ve had fun going through the process with everyone. I do it every day and it’s the best I can do. Who knows what’s going to happen down the road or in the future, but right now I enjoy coming to work.”
- Durant can finally play with a point guard Fred VanVleetwhich could make it an even more dangerous offensive weapon, states Shankar in a a separate story. VanVleet missed all of last season after tearing his ACL before training camp, leading to increased turnover for Durant because he often had to be the team’s primary ball handler.
- U another pieceShankar and Young wrap up numerous storylines from the media day, incl Alperen Sengundesire to improve his game as he enters his sixth NBA season. “I’ve been to the All-Star game twice, but that’s not enough” he said. “I want to be there every year. I don’t even want to think about, ‘Am I going to make it or not?’ I just have to play like I’m ready for it, like I know I’m going to go there, and that should be everybody’s goal.”
