Lakers Could Be Making Trade With Rockets Following Major Free Agent Loss: Report

Jan 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) reacts during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers could be involved in a potential sign-and-trade with the Houston Rockets after losing their veteran forward, Dorian Finney-Smith.

According to Keith Smith of the Front Office Show, the Rockets could be looking at using and trading around either Finney-Smith or Clint Capela.

Not clear yet. I believe at least one of the Rockets incoming signings (Dorian Finney-Smith or Clint Capela) will be a part of a sign-and-trade deal. https://t.co/YtU5LrEIEO

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 30, 2025

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

The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith in late December, and the expectation was that he would stay for the remainder of the season in Tinsletown. Instead, he is headed to the Rockets, who have been big players thus far this offseason.

The loss of Finney-Smith is a massive blow for the Lakers, who had hoped to keep the 3-and-D wing and could now potentially get something in return from the 32-year-old.

Finney-Smith played in 43 games with the purple and gold, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from three-point range in 28.8 minutes of action.

The Lakers not only need a big man or two to add to their roster, but now, with the loss of Finney-Smith, they also need a wing to replace the veteran forward.

More Lakers news: Lakers ‘Bracing' to Lose Dorian Finney-Smith to West Rival

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

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.