The team agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with LaRavia in a move that was announced not long after Finney-Smith agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with Houston.

After seeing Dorian Finney-Smith leave town to sign with the Houston Rockets, the Lakers brought in 23-year-old forward Jake LaRavia in their first free agency signing.

The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in December for three second-round picks and players. He was close to Luka Doncic from their time together in Dallas and Finney-Smith was a big contributor for the Lakers during the season, someone Lakers coach JJ Redick leaned on to play multiple positions and to be a defensive stopper.

Avery Johnson, Ashley Nicole Moss and Brad Botkin join HQ to discuss a report that Deandre Ayton could sign with the Lakers.

Deandre Ayton became a surprising addition to market after the Blazers buyout, and the Lakers should pursue him in NBA free agency.

Armed with the $14.1 million mid-level exception, the Lakers are expected to chase Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela, with the surprise addition of Portland