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 drawing interest in the market, and the latest report from Marc Stein suggests the Houston Rockets are pursuing 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 midlevel exception after Finney-Smith opted out. They face a decision because re-signing Finney-Smith around the same value would eliminate that exception, leaving them only the taxpayer midlevel exception worth $5.7 million.

The Lakers have multiple needs, including at center and to strengthen their bench. 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 remains intact after the draft. With a lack of trade assets, they will likely look to resolve as many issues as possible in free agency. They have an excellent opportunity to add a center that fits their lineup, especially alongside 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, considering their major void at center and Finney-Smith's value as a 3-and-D wing in today's league. The Lakers also spent three second-round picks on Finney-Smith seven months ago, so it would hurt the team if he left for nothing.