The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Dorian Finney-Smith for the 2025-26 season.
The former Brooklyn Nets contributor who joined the Lakers in December decided to sign with the Houston Rockets on Monday after declining his $15.4 million player option.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the organization is expected to sign Stephen Curry’s former 6-foot-3 Golden State Warriors teammate, who could serve as Finney-Smith’s replacement.
“Outside of pursuing extra frontcourt depth behind (Deandre) Ayton, the Lakers are also pursuing guard help to complement Luka’s play in the backcourt,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote Thursday.
“De’Anthony Melton has been a key name linked to Los Angeles throughout the offseason, and there is a growing expectation that the Lakers will land him in free agency.”
Granted, Finney-Smith (small forward) and Melton (combo guard) play different positions on the hardwood.
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However, both veterans are perimeter-oriented assets who excel when drilling open triples and wreaking havoc defensively.
Melton’s seventh NBA season was cut short due to a partially torn ACL suffered in late November.
A month after the devastating setback, the Warriors traded Melton, Reece Beekman, and three unprotected second-round picks to the Nets for Dennis Schroder and a 2025 second-round pick.
In six games with the Curry-led Dubs, the USC product averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 40.% from the field and 37.1% from downtown.
Although acquiring an asset like Andrew Wiggins (via trade) would be a far more impactful offseason move for the Lakers, Melton’s stable two-way play could suffice alongside Doncic and LeBron James.
Based on Siegel’s report, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness Melton land with Los Angeles soon.
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