Following a brief stint with the LA Lakers last season, former Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith decided to decline his player option and hit free agency. Amid recent reports, the three-and-D wing could potentially return to Texas this summer.
DFS began the year with the Brooklyn Nets, where he put up solid numbers as a two-way forward on the rebuilding squad. However, he found himself on the move as the front office looked to deepen their pool of assets. Finney-Smith was dealt to the Lakers in a deal that returned D'Angelo Russell back to Brooklyn.
Across 43 games with the Lakers, Finney-Smith proved to be a solid contributor to the supporting cast. Along with his above-average defense, he averaged 7.9 PPG and shot 39.8% from three on moderate volume.
Heading into free agency, Finney-Smith had a big decision to make. He chose to hit the market a year early and declined his player option worth just over $15 million.
As a reliable two-way wing, Finney-Smith is sure to garner interest across the league. Per insider Jake Fischer, one Western Conference contender might have their sights set on him. On Sunday, he reported that the Houston Rockets could be a possible landing spot for DFS.
The Houston Rockets have emerged as a viable free agent landing spot for Dorian Finney-Smith, league sources tell @TheSteinLine and me, after the veteran declined his $15.4 million player option for 2025-26 with the Lakers today.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2025
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It's already been a busy offseason for the Rockets, trading for Kevin Durant and extending multiple key members of their roster. With their sights set on contention, Finney-Smith could be a strong addition to their supporting cast.
Though he did decline his player option, a return to the Laker should not be ruled out. DFS has a strong relationship with Luka Doncic from their time together on the Dallas Mavericks. Given their bond and how they complement each other on the floor, the veteran forward could work out a longer deal that keeps him in LA beyond next season.