DFS leaves the Lakers inside story: Pelinka spreads his ankle injury, DFS refuses to return to the team and transfer to the Rockets after knowing

On July 1, the NBA entered the offseason. On the first day of the free agent signing market, the Rockets signed Finney Smith for 4 years and 53 million, who became the Lakers' first person to leave the team this summer. At the same time, more insider information about Finney Smith's departure was exposed.

According to yesterday's report, Finney Smith refused to execute the $15.4 million player option in his contract next season, and he became a full free agent. After he became a free agent, the Lakers once really hoped to sign him again, but the negotiations between Finney Smith and the Rockets quickly heated up in the past 24 hours and soon reached a four-year, $53 million contract, and the Lakers lost an important member.

According to Lakers reporter Anthony F. Irwin, Lakers general manager Pelinka has discussed Finney Smith's ankle problem with other teams in an attempt to lower his value. However, Pelinka's behavior was learned by Finney Smith and his team, which greatly reduced his chances of returning to the Lakers.

Previously, Finney Smith successfully underwent left ankle surgery and is expected to resume and participate in training before the start of the 2025-26 season training camp. The operation will help Finney Smith get rid of the ankle injury that has long plagued him, an injury that has affected him for several seasons, and he has been playing with injuries.

According to NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, if the Lakers lose Finney Smith, then management will actively look for potential replacements in the trading market. Grant, Collins, DeAndre Hunter and Herbert Jones may be the candidates for the Lakers, including Melton, who played for the Warriors last season, will be the target.

What do you think about Finney Smith leaving the Lakers to join the Rockets? Welcome to give your opinions in the comment section.