The Los Angeles Lakers are beginning to reshape their roster as they look to stay competitive in the Western Conference after a 50-32 regular season ended in disappointment with a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. And their first confirmed departure of the offseason is forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who won’t be lining up alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and new arrival Jake LaRavia.
The 32-year-old has declined his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, officially parting ways with the Lakers just months after arriving from the Brooklyn Nets in December. Finney-Smith quickly became a key piece of LA’s defense, bringing grit, versatility, and veteran presence to a team looking for stability.
In 43 appearances with the Lakers, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 39.8% from the field.
Just hours after declining his option, Finney-Smith agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets—a significant pickup for a young team aiming to climb the Western Conference ranks.
This move leaves the Lakers with a hole to fill on the defensive end as they search for roster upgrades to support stars like Doncic and James in what could be another make-or-break season in Hollywood.
