The Houston Rockets have struck early in free agency, agreeing to terms with one of the offseason’s most sought-after role players.
Rockets Outbid Lakers for Defensive Ace Dorian Finney-Smith
Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith has agreed to terms on a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets after opting out of his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers.
A post on X by senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes read, “Houston Rockets have reached an agreement with Dorian Finney-Smith on a four-year, $53 million deal, league sources tell me.”
Houston Rockets have reached an agreement with Dorian Finney-Smith on a four-year, $53 million deal, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/DQDav4Ibb1
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2025
Despite interest from Los Angeles in retaining the 32-year-old, the franchise was reportedly unwilling to offer a long-term deal, allowing Houston to swoop in with a more lucrative package.
Finney-Smith brings exactly what the Rockets have been searching for: elite perimeter defense and reliable outside shooting.
Last season, he shot a career-best 41.1% from three-point range and ranked among the league’s top wing defenders, holding All-Star opponents to just 47% effective shooting in half-court sets.
Under general manager Rafael Stone, Houston has made it clear that it plans to surround its young core with experienced veterans by re-signing Fred VanVleet, retaining Steven Adams, and adding superstar Kevin Durant.
The Houston Rockets are winning the offseason.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 30, 2025
For the Lakers, Finney-Smith’s departure leaves a hole in their defensive rotation. After trading with the Brooklyn Nets for him in the 2024-2025 NBA season, Los Angeles had hoped to keep him as a key part of their wing depth. With his exit, they are now expected to pivot toward other options in the market, with De’Anthony Melton and Bruce Brown Jr. emerging as potential targets.
A Look Into Finney-Smith’s Career So Far
Finney-Smith entered the league undrafted in 2016 but carved out a role with the Dallas Mavericks through grit and steady improvement. He spent seven seasons in Dallas, gradually developing into a dependable 3-and-D presence.
His breakout came between 2019 and 2022, when he recorded several career highs in scoring and rebounding and played a key role in helping the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022.
A trade to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the Kyrie Irving deal in 2023 added another chapter to his career. He joined the Lakers during the 2024–25 season but played just 43 games in the purple and gold before hitting free agency.
Finney-Smith’s deal with Houston becomes official on July 6, once the league’s moratorium period ends. With his signing, the Rockets continue to reshape their roster with two-way contributors capable of competing now while mentoring their young stars.
