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Dorian Finney-Smith leaves Lakers, signs with Rockets

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 9:36 PM ET

The rumors of Dorian Finney-Smith leaving the Los Angeles Lakers have come true. It’s been reported that Finney-Smith is signing a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets.

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

This is an excellent pickup by the Rockets, who have already traded for Kevin Durant. Last season, the Rockets, a relatively young team, finished with a 52-30 record, which was second in the Western Conference.

As for the Lakers, this hurts LA’s already struggling wing defense.

Finney-Smith, who averaged 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 39.8% shooting from three, initially declined his $15.4 million player option. This led to the Lakers bracing for his departure.

LA has reportedly had their eyes on a few players in the wake of possibly losing Finney-Smith. According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers are “expected to chase Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela, with the surprise addition of Portland Trail Blazers center DeAndre Ayton as another target on their list.”

Now that Finney-Smith is officially gone, the Lakers are poised to make a move. Especially since LeBron James is already not feeling too confident about the Lakers’ roster.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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