The Lakers let Finney Smith go, preparing for the introduction of maximum-paid players in 2027

According to a report on July 1, former Lakers player Finney Smith has agreed to join the Rockets and signed a $53 million contract worth a period of four years. According to reports, the Lakers are currently working to cut salaries in order to sign a maximum-paid player in the free market in 2027.

According to well-known journalist Shams, Finney Smith has agreed to sign a four-year, $53 million contract with the Rockets. On December 30 last year, the Lakers traded Russell and Lewis for Finney Smith and Milton. Trevor Lane of the Lakers said that this shows that the Lakers will likely not use the sign-first and then exchange to retain Finney Smith, but will directly let him join the Rockets and become a member of the latter.

NBA reporter Sam Quinn commented: "The Lakers have a huge loophole on the wing position, and they have to start solving this problem. The Rockets' reinforcement work is excellent. Their system is similar to last season, with Durant replacing Jaylen Green, and Finney Smith replaced Dillon." As a 32-year-old player, Finney Smith underwent left ankle surgery on June 13, and this injury has affected him for several seasons. In the 2024-25 season, he participated in 63 games, averaging 28.9 minutes per game, scoring 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals, with three shooting percentages of 44.8%, 41.1% and 66.7% respectively.

Regarding the reasons why the Lakers let Finney Smith go, ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin pointed out that the Lakers are seeking to save salary space in the 2027 free agent market so that they can sign a maximum-paid player.

Dave explained: "Although Finney Smith is a beloved locker room leader in the Lakers, helping the team achieve a 14-6 record in 20 starting games, the Lakers are still disciplined to negotiate to ensure that there is enough salary space to sign a maximum free agent in 2027."

Some netizens said: "It seems they are preparing for James' retirement."

"Typical 'traitor'. So won't you renew Aiton? Do you want to sign two maximum free agents at the same time in 2027?"

"In fact, since Aiton was bought out, I felt it was unlikely to keep the electric fan. It is okay to sacrifice one or two million, but it is impossible to give up 10 million."

"As James S's fans have lost another important puzzle this time, but I can also understand the Lakers' ideas. Fish and bear's paw cannot have both. They are obviously slowly preparing for the situation after the era of James and Davis, and preparing for the arrival of a new era. "

" It seems that they are planning to wait until James retires in 27th."

" Still worried about electric fans, ask who do you choose, Ayton or electric fans? Do you think Ayton can sign Ayton for 5 million?"

"I guess the management may make room for 2026, but there were no great free agents at that time. Now it seems that they may aim to meet the teacher and letters."

"It should be 2026. There are only 77, Van Debiao and Old Chris left next year, and Rivers may choose to jump out of the contract."