Lakers Lose Key Players, Clippers Add Brook Lopez

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing heightened uncertainty after losing key free agent Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, who signed him to a four-year, $53 million deal amid an aggressive roster overhaul that included Kevin Durant. Finney-Smith had become integral to the Lakers after a midseason trade, and his departure is a significant setback. The Lakers also missed out on longtime target Clint Capela, who joined the Rockets, further impacting the team's roster depth. In response, the Lakers signed forward Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal, although questions remain about whether this move will satisfy LeBron James' championship ambitions. Criticism has been directed at GM Rob Pelinka for not retaining Finney-Smith and for trading assets to acquire him. Meanwhile, the Lakers' cross-town rivals, the Clippers, have strengthened their roster by signing free agent center Brook Lopez, further intensifying the Lakers' challenging offseason.