After their wing rotation took a hit at the start of free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing a major acquisition in the future. The Lakers, who entered the offseason in dire need of an upgrade at center, began Monday’s free agency period by losing veteran 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith. His departure, however, appears to be part of a calculated strategy, as the team looks ahead to a significant free agent class in 2027.
Lakers Prioritizing 2027 Free Agency Amid Finney-Smith’s Exit
Dorian Finney-Smith, a ten-year veteran, reportedly reached an agreement on a four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets. The Lakers then rebounded by coming to terms on a more affordable two-year, $12 million contract with reserve forward Jake LaRavia.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the franchise’s frugal negotiations were deliberate as it looks ahead to the 2027 free agency period.
Shortly after Finney-Smith departed for Houston, McMenamin reported that Los Angeles’ difficult decision to let its beloved 2024-25 midseason acquisition walk stemmed from its cap space preservation efforts. The NBA insider noted that the organization targeted LaRavia on a shorter-term deal in hopes of pairing an elite player alongside superstar guard Luka Dončić during the 2027 offseason.
“Though Finney-Smith was a popular locker room figure and helped the Lakers to a 14-6 record in the 20 games he started in the regular season, L.A. exercised discipline in its negotiations to preserve cap space for 2027, when the team expects to have space to sign a max-salary free agent,” McMenamin wrote.
The Lakers are looking to save cap space for the 2027 free agency period to potentially sign a max-level player, per @mcten
“Though Finney-Smith was a popular locker room figure and helped the Lakers to a 14-6 record in the 20 games he started in the regular season, L.A.… pic.twitter.com/kKotzeZR9o
– NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 1, 2025
This approach signals Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s patience in building around the 26-year-old Dončić, whom he acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a shocking trade this past February. The Lakers are clearly committing to a long-term vision centered on Dončić’s prime.
Of course, a lot can change over the next two years as players ink extensions and weigh their contract options. However, as of the 2025 offseason, here are some high-profile players who could hit the open market in 2027, including those with player options for the 2027-28 season, per Spotrac.
Potential Free Agent Options for Lakers in 2027
Unrestricted 2027 Free Agents
- Stephen Curry
- Kawhi Leonard
- Trae Young
- Tyler Herro
- Damian Lillard
- Jimmy Butler
- Bradley Beal
- Zach LaVine
- James Harden
Stars With 2027–28 Player Options
- Nikola Jokić
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Anthony Davis
- Donovan Mitchell
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Kyrie Irving
- Rudy Gobert
- Julius Randle
- Dejounte Murray
- Brandon Ingram
- Paul George
While some of these players will be well past their primes by 2027, or are widely expected to sign extensions with their current teams, a few could still be available who align with Dončić’s timeline. Adding a superstar-caliber player in 2027, particularly in the frontcourt, would likely set Los Angeles up for sustained success in its post-LeBron James era.
