According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers are bracing for impact of the reality that Dorian Finney-Smith will no longer be a member of their organization. He is most likely to sign with the Houston Rockets.

There is league-wide anticipation of Finney-Smith being lured away from Los Angeles to come to Houston to play for the Rockets. They are expected to give the defensive-minded player a four-year deal to persuade him.

Finney-Smith declined his $15.4 million player option with the Lakers to test free agency. He’s seen as the perfect fit for Houston, as the Rockets would allow him to come off the bench and be a productive tool for their second unit.

The Rockets have been looking to lock down their front court with a 3-and-D veteran. Free agency begins Monday at 6 PM EST.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith.

The entire trade is Los Angeles sending Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks for Brooklyn’s Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Brooklyn will be getting the Lakers’ 2027, 2030, and 2031 second-rounders.

Finney-Smith is highly regarded this season with his career-high three-point percentage (44%) and a very impressive 3-and-D player. The Lakers needed a player like him, and they were able to land him.

About $15 million was saved by the Lakers through this trade. Luxury tax flexibility was one of the biggest highlights of this deal. Even the Nets were able to get clean salaries in return.

Finney-Smith, who is 31, is in his final season before having to decide between opting into his player option or not. If he opts in, he’ll make $15.3 million.

Maxwell, who is 22, is in the second season of his rookie contract. Currently, he is making $1.8 million for this season. A club option is included in this deal, which appears in 2026-27.

Milton, who is 28, is in the first season of his three-year contract worth $9.1 million. This season, he is making $2.8 million. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2027-28.

Russell, who is 28, is on an expiring contract. Earlier in the offseason, he opted into his $18.6 million player option. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

The Lakers are 18-13 on the season, with the Nets being 12-20.