With Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith widely expected to depart as a free agent, the franchise could potentially facilitate a sign-and-trade deal with the Rockets, the team with the most reported interest in signing him.
Fadeaway World proposed a Lakers trade pitch that would see the franchise acquire Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale, two players who could get lost in the shuffle in Houston.
Lakers would receive: Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale
Rockets would receive: Dorian Finney-Smith (via sign-and-trade)
With DFS turning down his $15.3 million player option to test free agency, the Lakers can either lose the 3-and-D wing fo nothing, or test the market to get back pieces.
“Whitmore, a 20-year-old wing with tremendous upside, averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds on 44.4% shooting from the field and 35.5% from three last season,” read the article. “His minutes were inconsistent in Houston, but his tools, strength, athleticism,and shot creation are undeniable.
“On a Lakers team seeking both immediate help and long-term assets alongside Luka Doncic, Whitmore could be a home-run swing.”
Lakers ‘Bracing’ to Lose DFS
“Jock Landale, meanwhile, would help plug one of the Lakers’ most glaring holes: interior depth. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited minutes last year and is under contract for two more years at $16 million total.
While not a flashy addition, Landale would provide much-needed toughness and rebounding, a solid option behind a yet-to-be-determined starting big man.”
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Lakers are preparing to lose Finney-Smith as a free agent, knowing well that they don’t have the financial freedom to retain the three-and-D wing. Woike explained how Finney-Smith’s departure will clear the path for the Lakers to add a quality center to complement the skillset of Luka Doncic.
“The Lakers are bracing to lose forward Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency to a multi-year deal with the Houston Rockets, according to team sources,” wrote Woike.
“The loss of a valuable wing — and a beloved teammate of Doncic’s— will create a void on the perimeter. However, Finney-Smith’s exit will open up a pathway for the Lakers to be aggressive in targeting the top available centers in free agency.”
Lakers to Prioritize Adding Center
While losing DFS — a key piece of the Lakers’ resurgent defense in 2024-25 — will be missed, the team has a more pressing need at the center spot.
If DFS had opted into his player option, the Lakers would have had only a $5.7M taxpayer midlevel exception to use on a center. However, his departure means the team can now has a $14.1 M MLE that they can use on a quality big man.
“Armed with the $14.1 million mid-level exception, the Lakers are expected to chase Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela, with the surprise addition of Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton as another target on their list,” wrote Woike.
“The Lakers are not making calls gauging Austin Reaves’ trade value, one of the sources said. As free agency begins, the Lakers are motivated not to sacrifice long-term flexibility as they begin to arm themselves for a potential run at another superstar to pair with Dončić as soon as next summer.”
If the Lakers test the market for Reaves, it would also be for a center, per multiple insiders.
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