Clippers send Smith back to Houston

HOUSTON— Josh Smith is headed back to Houston after the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to the Rockets. Smith finished last season with Houston before signing with the Clippers in the off-season. Houston also received the draft rights to forward/centre Sergei Lishouk and cash in the deal that gave Los Angeles draft rights to forward Maarty Leunen. Clippers coach Doc Rivers said the team wanted to go in another direction. Smith averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds.