The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a pivotal transition, as free agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith is drawing significant interest from the Houston Rockets. His potential exit opens a salary slot that could be crucial in L.A.’s quest to acquire a center, a move that could reshape their lineup for the upcoming season.
Among the names swirling around as possible targets are Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks and Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks. Deandre Ayton, who recently reached a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, is also on the Lakers’ radar. With the availability of the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, L.A. is poised to make a significant acquisition to bolster their frontcourt.
Lopez, who had a stint with the Lakers during the 2017-18 season, could provide a familiar spark. At 37 years old, he remains a formidable shooter, boasting a 37.3% mark from beyond the arc while averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over 80 games this past season. His ability to stretch the floor could offer valuable spacing for the Lakers’ offense.
On the other hand, Capela, at 31, presents a different skill set: a strong shot-blocking presence and elite rebounding capabilities, particularly on the offensive glass. However, his numbers dipped this season as his playing time fell to around 21.4 minutes per night, leaving some questions about his impact moving forward.
Then there’s Ayton, who, despite missing more than half of the previous season due to a calf strain, is still just 26 and has showcased his talent when healthy. However, any potential deal for Ayton would have to wait until he completes the waiver process, adding a layer of complexity to L.A.’s pursuit.
Interestingly, reports suggest that the Lakers are not exploring trade scenarios for Austin Reaves despite his decision to turn down a four-year, $89 million extension offer. Instead, L.A. views Reaves as a critical piece of their future plans and anticipates signing him to a more lucrative deal when he becomes eligible.
As for Finney-Smith, insiders, including Marc Stein, suggest that the Rockets are preparing a four-year contract offer for the veteran forward, which is expected to be worth a significant portion of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. As all these pieces start to fall into place, it’s clear the Lakers are carefully strategizing their moves to not only fill needs but also maintain flexibility for future star acquisitions, especially with an eye on pairing talent with Luka Doncic down the line. It’s a delicate balance, but one that could pay off handsomely in their quest for another championship.
