The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the NBA Summer League with notable roster shifts, as Dorian Finney-Smith’s Lakers departure in free agency marks a significant change for the team. Dalton Knecht, coming off his rookie year, is adapting to these changes and looking to form chemistry with newcomers while the organization seeks a path back to the playoffs.
With veteran presence Finney-Smith leaving for another team, the Lakers have welcomed Jake LaRavia and former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton as part of their offseason changes. These additions are intended to strengthen the lineup, but there are questions surrounding how this reconfigured roster will fit together and perform under pressure this season.
Knecht Shares Reflections Following Finney-Smith’s Departure
After the first summer league practice on Wednesday, Dalton Knecht addressed reporters regarding the impact of Dorian Finney-Smith’s exit and shared his early impressions of teammate Jake LaRavia, who just agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract. For Knecht, adjusting to the quick turnover of NBA rosters was a new experience, and the loss of an established defender like Finney-Smith was keenly felt.
“It’s my first time ever having this, so when those guys come in and come into the gym or something like that, we’ll just get to know each other. Losing Doe sucks, but, at the end of the day, this happens,”
—Dalton Knecht, Lakers guard.
The transition also brings opportunity, as Knecht spoke about integrating with Jake LaRavia.
“We got here with Jake, and we’ll be able to see him and stuff like that and get to work out.”
—Dalton Knecht, Lakers guard.
Reporter Dave McMenamin captured Knecht’s mood, noting,
“Dalton Knecht was disappointed to hear about Dorian Finney-Smith signing with the Rockets, but looks forward to welcoming Jake LaRavia to Los Angeles. ‘Losing Doe sucks’”
—Dave McMenamin, NBA reporter.
Deandre Ayton Joins as Lakers Reshape Their Frontcourt
The Lakers made another high-profile move on Wednesday by signing Deandre Ayton, the 2018 top draft selection, after his contract buyout. Ayton agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million deal, with a player option for the second year. The financial allocation includes $8.1 million set for Ayton in the 2025-26 season, the remaining sum from the team‘s non-taxpayer midlevel exception after accounting for LaRavia’s salary.
Ayton brings both scoring and an interior presence, filling the gap left by Finney-Smith with a different skill set. However, while Ayton and LaRavia are expected to energize the Lakers, neither is seen as matching Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility. The team faces the challenge of compensating for the loss of one of its best defenders, particularly when facing skilled frontcourt opponents. Success will demand greater communication and a collective commitment to defense from the entire squad.
Knecht’s Expanded Role and Determination in a Changing Lineup
Dalton Knecht may find himself taking on a bigger responsibility in his second season. His rookie year displayed his value as a floor-spacer, but the current lineup changes create an opportunity to expand his game and earn more minutes. Knecht described a strenuous workout routine following the team’s playoff exit, including long days starting at 6 a.m. and multiple sessions per day. After the team’s practice, he remained on court, working on his shooting.
His rookie campaign saw him participate in 78 games, posting averages of 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers per contest, while shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc. If Knecht adds more dimensions to his skill set and improves his defense, the Lakers could see significant gains from their young guard amid the evolving roster.
Roster Adjustments and Anticipated Team Chemistry
With several departures and high-profile arrivals, the Lakers enter the summer league under close scrutiny from both fans and analysts. The big question remains whether the new-look lineup can develop the chemistry required to compete effectively in the Western Conference and make a return to playoff contention. Both Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton will play pivotal roles, and the responsibility to adapt lies with returning players like Knecht as well.
The effectiveness of these offseason moves will become clearer as the team navigates summer action and prepares for the regular season. How well Knecht, Ayton, and LaRavia integrate, and whether the Lakers can overcome the loss of a key defender in Finney-Smith, will likely determine the team’s fortunes in the coming months.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many 3s does Dorian Finney-Smith average?
A. In his most recent 10 games, Dorian Finney-Smith has made an average of 2.3 three-point shots each game. StatMuse has tracked game-by-game three-pointer information since the 1979-80 basketball season.
Q. How many 3s does Dorian Finney-Smith average a game?
A. Dorian Finney-Smith has averaged 2.3 made three-point shots each game in his last 10 games. StatMuse provides game-by-game three-point data beginning from the 1979-80 NBA season.