Lakers Lose Dorian Finney-Smith to West Rival in $53 Million Deal

Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost their veteran forward, Dorian Finney-Smith.

Finney-Smith has agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets.

Free agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith has agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Finney-Smith's agent, Michael Tellem of Excel Sports, negotiated terms of the deal tonight with Rockets executives for the 3-and-D wing. pic.twitter.com/wUNbGn0rOy

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

It was reported earlier in the day that the Lakers were embracing the possibility of losing Finney-Smith to the Rockets, and now that has become a reality. This is a significant loss for the Lakers, as they had expected to keep the 3-and-D wing beyond the 2024-25 season.

Now he heads to the Rockets, a team that just acquired superstar forward Kevin Durant.

Finney-Smith joined the Lakers midway through the season following a trade from the Brooklyn Nets that sent D’Angelo Russell the other way—a move that quickly proved to be a key turning point.

The veteran forward brought a noticeable boost on the defensive end, showcasing his versatility by guarding multiple positions and knocking down timely shots when it mattered most.

In his 43 appearances with Los Angeles — including 20 starts — Finney-Smith was a reliable contributor, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting a strong 44.3 percent from the field and an impressive 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Finney-Smith will head into his 10th season in the league and his first with the Rockets. He is a massive grab for a Rockets team that earned the No. 2 seed in the loaded Western Conference last season.

After acquiring Durant and now Finney-Smith this summer, they are expected to be among the top teams to raise the Larry O'Brien trophy this upcoming season.

More Lakers news: Lakers’ Primary Target Now Available This Offseason

Deandre Ayton’s Buyout Could Shift Lakers’ Free Agency Approach

Lakers' LeBron James Reportedly Not Attracting Much Trade Market Buzz

John Calipari Reveals Why Lakers’ Adou Thiero Could Be a Steal

Lakers' Austin Reaves Has Reportedly Made Decision on Contract Extension

Lakers Land Adou Thiero with 36th Pick After Massive Draft Day Trade

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.