Report: Lakers have ‘strong interest’ in retaining Dorian Finney-Smith, Rockets among others interested

The Lakers reportedly want to bring Dorian Finney-Smith back next season, but they’re going to have competition with other teams like the Rockets.

At the same time, LeBron opted into his contract and delivered a thinly-veiled message to the Lakers front office, Dorian Finney-Smith was also making a decision on his future. The wing declined his player option, a predictable outcome, and will head to into free agency.

That doesn’t mean, however, his future in Los Angeles is done. Finney-Smith can still re-sign for more years with the Lakers and, according to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Lakers have a great deal of interest in doing so.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are expected to focus their free agent business on addressing their well-chronicled need for a front-line center and trying to re-sign Dorian Finney-Smith, who declined his $15.4 million player option Sunday to become an unrestricted free agent. Sources say the Lakers have registered strong interest in retaining Finney-Smith.

Furthermore, fellow NBA reporter Jake Fischer reported the Rockets were upping their interest in Finney-Smith as well, providing a tangible threat for the Lakers.

Finney-Smith represented a change of identity to the Lakers upon his arrival. Given how highly he spoke of him, he also represents the style of basketball head coach JJ Redick wants to play.

He has a high IQ, understands how to play with superstars and still has plenty to offer on the court. He shot a tick under 40% from the 3-point line with the Lakers and his flexibility defensively was showcased in the Lakers’ success playing small ball.

It makes sense that the Lakers would want him back. We’ll soon find out if that interest is mutual and if the two sides can agree to a deal during free agency.

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