While the Lakers are trying to reshape their roster in NBA free agency, they’ve suffered a big blow.
Dorian Finney-Smith is set to sign with the Houston Rockets on a multi-year deal, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Free agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith has agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Finney-Smith's agent, Michael Tellem of Excel Sports, negotiated terms of the deal tonight with Rockets executives for the 3-and-D wing. pic.twitter.com/wUNbGn0rOy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
The departure of Finney-Smith means the Lakers will now have the full mid-level exception to use.
It’s a blow for the Lakers because DFS was exactly the kind of 3-and-D wing the Lakers needed, which is why they traded D’Angelo Russell to acquire him back in December. But after he declined his $15.4 million player option, the Rockets quickly became a threat to lure away the wing even as the Lakers had a “strong interest” in retaining him.
Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists on the season while shooting 39.8% from 3-point range. While his averages don’t jump off the page, his positive impact on the team was undeniable. He led the Lakers in plus-minus in the regular season, with L.A. being a +268 when Finney-Smith was on the court.
Now the Lakers will have to figure out how to replace Finney-Smith’s impact and perimeter defense this offseason.
This live story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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