Dorian Finney-Smith has officially entered free agency after declining his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 season. The decision immediately drew interest from several contending teams.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets quickly surfaced as a strong landing spot for the versatile forward. NBA insider Jake Fischer broke the news on X. Fischer revealed that the Rockets are actively pursuing Finney-Smith.
“The Houston Rockets have emerged as a viable free agent landing spot for Dorian Finney-Smith. League sources tell @TheSteinLine and me, after the veteran declined his $15.4 million player option for 2025-26 with the Lakers today,” Fischer wrote.
The Houston Rockets have emerged as a viable free agent landing spot for Dorian Finney-Smith, league sources tell @TheSteinLine and me, after the veteran declined his $15.4 million player option for 2025-26 with the Lakers today.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2025
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For the Lakers, Finney-Smith’s departure would be more than just a loss on the court, especially given the high price they paid to acquire him. In a mid-season trade with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles gave up D’Angelo Russell, young forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to bring in Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.
That move was seen as a key step in strengthening the Lakers’ roster for a deeper playoff push. However, losing Finney-Smith after would significantly undercut the value of that trade. Dorian played 43 games for the Lakers, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
Dorian Finney-Smith’s Contract Options And Market Value
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Finney-Smith is currently eligible for a contract extension with the Lakers. But his decision to decline the option shifts leverage toward free agency.
If Dorian had opted in, the Lakers would have retained him under the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception. However, with him opting out, they now free up the possibility of using the larger $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, though likely for a different player if he departs.
Whether the Lakers can bring him back or are forced to watch him leave for a Western Conference rival like Houston remains to be seen.
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