What Does Dorian Finney-Smith Loss Mean for Lakers? Breakdown of Full Ramifications

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith signed a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets, altering the course of the Lakers' free agency.

Earlier in the offseason, Finney-Smith opted out of the final year of his current deal. He was set to make $14 million for the upcoming season, but instead, he chose to hit the free agency market.

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The Rockets handed the forward a deal worth $53 million, averaging out to a little over $13 million per season. The 3-and-D player opted for the long-term financial security over the slightly higher salary next season.

The loss of Finney-Smith hurts the Lakers massively, losing a player who offers value on both ends of the court and played several seasons alongside star Luka Doncic.

With the Lakers last season, the wing averaged 7.9 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 39.8% from the 3-point line.

Some NBA insiders predicted Finney-Smith to come back, but he found a better deal on the market and is leaving.

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Los Angeles just drafted Adou Thiero, a wing player who has a good motor on both ends of the court and provides defensive help.

While he lacks the shooting of Finney-Smith, Thiero could end up filling in some of the missing minutes in the rotation.

The Lakers are left with a hole at the wing position, but have some tools to get some help.

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Los Angeles has access to the $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception and the $5.1M biannual exception.

This gives the Lakers some additional wiggle room to add some free agents. If they kept Finney-Smith, the team only had access to the $5 million tax middle exception and the biannual one.

The Lakers need some centers to add on the roster and the loss of Finney-Smith opens the door for some veteran free agents to come through.

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