NBA Free Agency: Lakers hoping to retain Dorian Finney-Smith as Rockets lurk with $14.1M offer  

The LA Lakers remain hopeful of retaining free agent Dorian Finney-Smith after he opted out of his $15.4 million player option on Sunday. Ahead of Monday’s 2025 NBA Free Agency tipoff, Finney-Smith is gaining interest in the market, and the latest report from Marc Stein suggests that the Houston Rockets are in the 3-and-D player with a $14.1 million annual contract. Houston is planning to offer him a four-year deal.

“The Rockets have use of their full $14.1 million midlevel exception to offer to Finney-Smith even after their considerable roster business in recent days. There were strong suggestions Sunday that Houston is preparing a four-year offer for Finney-Smith,” Stein wrote.

The Lakers opened up a $14.1 million non-taxpayer exception after Finney-Smith opted out. They have a decision to make as re-signing Finney-Smith around the same value will take away their exception, only giving them the taxpayer midlevel exception worth $5.7 million.

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The Lakers have multiple needs, including at center and to strengthen their bench, but at the same time, Finney-Smith was one of the culture-setters for the team last year. His presence was critical to their success as a defense-first unit when they topped the charts in defensive ratings

Lakers in a pickle with Dorian Finney-Smith decision as Deandre Ayton becomes available in free agency

The Lakers need at center remain intact after the draft. With a lack of trade assets, they will likely primarily look to resolve as many problems as they can in free agency. They have an excellent opportunity to add a center that fits their lineup, especially next to Luka Doncic, after Deandre Ayton agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ayton will likely command a $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception. The Lakers have that if they don't re-sign Dorian Finney-Smith. Assuming that's the offer Ayton generates in the market from other suitors, LA might have to choose between him and Finney-Smith.

It's a tough spot to be in, considering their major void at center and Finney-Smith's value as a 3-and-D wing in today's league. LA also spent three second-round picks on Finney-Smith seven months ago, so it would hurt the team if he left for nothing.

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Arhaan Raje

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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