Rockets Emerging as Suitor for Lakers’ Dorian Finney-Smith

The Houston Rockets appear to be eyeing Dorian Finney-Smith as their next key addition.

More specifically, Houston has emerged as a “viable landing spot” for the veteran forward, according to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Finney-Smith declined his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, opting to test unrestricted free agency in search of a longer-term deal.

While a return to Los Angeles remains on the table, several teams are expected to make a strong push, with the Rockets now among the most aggressive suitors.

The 31-year-old is coming off a solid campaign in which he split time between the Brooklyn Nets and Lakers, averaging 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.9 steals while knocking down 41.1% of his three-point attempts.

His numbers dipped slightly following the trade to L.A., but his two-way play, positional versatility, and veteran presence were all praised internally. He posted strong on/off splits and was viewed as a glue guy in the locker room.

The Rockets recently unlocked access to their $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception after reworking Fred VanVleet’s deal and retaining center Steven Adams.

With Kevin Durant now in the fold, Houston is in full win-now mode, and Finney-Smith’s skill set could make him a strong fit as the team looks to round out its rotation with experienced, defensive-minded depth.

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