Dorian Finney-Smith Reportedly Targeted by Rockets After Opting Out of Lakers Contract

Dorian Finney-Smith is being targeted by the Houston Rockets as a free agent destination spot after opting out of his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season, according to NBA insider's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

The Rockets could offer Finney-Smith the full $14.1 million mid-level exception, with the potential for a larger deal through a sign-and-trade involving Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale as part of a multi-team scenario, according to CapSheets.com’s Yossi Gozlan.

The 32-year-old forward is expected to draw interest from several teams once free agency opens Monday night, but for now, the Houston Rockets — who recently acquired veteran Kevin Durant — appear to be the early favorites to land Finney-Smith.

Finney-Smith made an immediate impact in Los Angeles after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets in December. He averaged 28.8 minutes per game with 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Known for his defensive versatility, Finney-Smith also added 2.7 defensive rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game.

In the Lakers’ brief five-game playoff run, he logged 34.0 minutes per game, contributing 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

The possibility of the Rockets adding Finney-Smith as a starter alongside Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün is shaping up to be a dangerous lineup for a team that already finished second in the Western Conference last season.