Overview

• Dorian Finney-Smith declined his $15.3 million player option and is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the Houston Rockets
• Los Angeles is exploring a sign-and-trade that would send Finney-Smith to Houston in exchange for Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale
• Finney-Smith’s exit unlocks the full $14.1 million mid-level exception after years of cap tightness around LeBron James
• The Lakers plan to pursue established centers such as Brook Lopez, Clint Capela and Deandre Ayton with the newly available exception
• Since arriving in December, Finney-Smith averaged 8.7 points and shot 41.1% from three, filling key 3-and-D and small-ball center roles