Lakers predicted to cut ties with $55 million 3-and-D wing, land solid center, per report

The Los Angeles Lakers might be in danger of losing a core piece of their rotation this summer.

As free agency rapidly approaches, the Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka will be scrambling to figure out which potential pieces could mesh well with a 40-year-old LeBron James, 26-year-old Luka Dončić and soon-to-be second-year head coach JJ Redick.

The Lakers have several key veteran forwards that can serve as fine complimentary pieces for the team's generational duo, but a fellow Western Conference contender could throw a wrench into their plans in the coming days. 

In fact, recent reports have indicated that the Lakers' skilled wing Dorian Finney-Smith could be lured away from the team via free agency by the Houston Rockets, who are aiming to further build out a competitive roster after trading for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Fortunately for Los Angeles, Finney-Smith's potential departure might create plenty of opportunities to land a meaningful contributor at the center position. 

"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," The Athletic's Dan Woike wrote Monday afternoon.

"The loss of a valuable wing, and a beloved teammate of Dončić’s, will create a void on the perimeter."

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"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."

"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."

Though the 32-year-old Finney-Smith is a prototypical teammate of both James and Dončić, the Lakers' desperate need for an intimidating paint presence with floor-spacing prowess might overshadow his eventual exit. 

In 43 appearances for the Lakers after a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith knocked down 39.8% of his 4.8 attempts from three-point range and proved to be a valuable option as a modern 3-and-D wing. 

Losing Finney-Smith to an up-and-coming Rockets team that would further build upon their elite defensive core would be a gut punch, but potentially adding a talent like Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks or Deandre Ayton after coming to a contract buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers would plug a glaring hole in the frontcourt.

The aging Lopez, specifically, is an attractive option due to his shot-blocking and three-point shooting ability, though he'll be preparing for his 18th NBA campaign in 2025-26. 

Lopez still proved his worth this past season for the Bucks, as he contributed 13.0 points and 1.9 blocks while boasting a 37.3% three-point percentage and a 59.9% effective field goal percentage in 80 contests. 

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