The Lakers are in trouble! Can the Rockets offer a contract that is higher than the middle class exception for the forward general?

According to a joint report by TheSteinLime reporter Mark Stein and Jake Fischer, sources revealed that the Houston Rockets have become a viable next home for Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Dorian Finney Smith has refused to execute the $15.4 million player option in his contract next season, and he will become a full free agent. According to payroll expert Yossi Gozlan, the Rockets can now provide Dorian Finney Smith with a full middle-class special case worth $14.1 million. If Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale are packed and Dorian Finney Smith is signed and then exchanged, the Rockets can give Dorian Finney Smith a bigger contract.

In the middle of this season, the Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets completed a deal. The Lakers sent D 'Angelo Russell to the Nets and got Smith from the Nets. After joining the Lakers, Smith played 43 times in the NBA regular season, averaging 28.8 minutes per game, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 0.9 turnovers and 1.9 fouls. His shooting percentage was 44.2%, three-point shooting percentage was 39.8%, and free throw shooting percentage was 71.4%. In the playoffs, Smith played 5 games in total, with averaging 33.9 minutes per game, averaging 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.4 blocks. He also had one turnover and 3.4 fouls. His shooting percentage was 41.4% and his three-point shooting percentage was 36.8%.

Smith's performance after joining the Lakers is still very reliable. He proved that he is a very reliable 3D type forward player. He can provide support for outside shooting on the offensive end. Although his offensive efficiency is not particularly stable, he can at least maintain a good level. Smith's performance on the defensive end is also remarkable. He is a very versatile defender who can provide the team with comprehensive defensive support. Smith had to appear in the fifth position frequently during the playoffs, but he still took on the responsibilities he should take and became an important rotation player for the team. It is no exaggeration to say that if Smith had no all-round attributes on the defensive end, the Lakers' defensive system might even collapse.

According to previous news, Smith will refuse to execute the $15.4 million player option in his contract next season, and he will also become a full free agent after the free market is opened. Considering that Smith is 32 years old, it is also a reasonable operation for him to choose to break out of the contract and test the free market. After all, he also needs to win the last big contract for himself. If the Rockets can provide Smith with a contract that exceeds the full middle class, it will definitely impress Smith, and it will be difficult for the Lakers to provide such a offer. In fact, signing first and then switching is not a bad choice for the Lakers, at least it is an operation to reduce losses. I don’t know how the situation will develop next. Will Smith have a chance to join the Rockets?