The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a pivotal blow to their offseason strategy, as veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith is reportedly on the verge of signing a multi-year deal with the Houston Rockets, per Dan Woike. According to team sources, the Lakers are now bracing for Finney-Smith’s departure after attempts to retain him began stalling over contract value and long-term role.
“The Lakers are bracing to lose forward Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency to a multi-year deal with the Houston Rockets, according to team sources.”
“The loss of a valuable wing like Finney-Smith — and a beloved teammate of Doncic — will create a void on the perimeter, but his exit will open up a pathway for the Lakers to be aggressive targeting the top available centers in free agency.”
Finney-Smith, who recently declined his $15.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season, entered unrestricted free agency with considerable leverage. Though his raw numbers don’t leap off the stat sheet — 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game last season- his reputation as a defensive stopper, floor spacer, and glue guy has made him one of the most sought-after 3-and-D wings on the market.
The Rockets, fresh off extending Jabari Smith Jr. and still holding notable cap space, are reportedly eager to bring in a versatile veteran like Finney-Smith to shore up their wing defense and provide playoff experience to a young team that just acquired Kevin Durant.
That interest, combined with the Lakers’ reluctance to offer the full $90.2 million contract Finney-Smith is eligible for, has tilted the race in Houston’s favor.
His potential departure will leave a significant void for Los Angeles, not just defensively, but in terms of chemistry. Finney-Smith has been a close confidant of Luka Doncic, who was recently traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster move.
One such pivot could involve salvaging value through a sign-and-trade deal with Houston. A rumored proposal would see the Lakers send Finney-Smith to the Rockets in exchange for Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale. Whitmore, a 20-year-old wing with star potential, averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds last season, while Landale added a rugged frontcourt presence with 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited minutes.
However, such a deal can only materialize through a sign-and-trade structure, meaning Finney-Smith would need to agree to a new contract with the Lakers before being moved.
If this scenario falls through, the Lakers will likely turn their attention to the top centers on the market. Deandre Ayton, who was recently bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, has emerged as a potential target, though league insiders remain skeptical of his fit alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic due to his inconsistent motor and high usage rate.
The loss of Finney-Smith also places added importance on the Lakers’ 2025 draft pick, Adou Thiero, a promising two-way wing taken with the 36th selection. Thiero will likely be asked to develop quickly and fill some of the perimeter defensive responsibilities vacated by DFS.
As LeBron continues to monitor the Lakers’ offseason maneuvers and with whispers of retirement or a trade swirling around him, the pressure is on the front office to respond swiftly. Losing Finney-Smith may not doom their title hopes, but replacing him will be anything but easy.
