The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to let Dorian Finney-Smith leave in the offseason could have far-reaching consequences on their quest for another NBA title. After their early exit from the 2025 playoffs, the Dorian Finney-Smith Lakers impact has become a focal point for fans and analysts questioning the franchise’s strategy and future prospects.
Finney-Smith Leaves Gap After Short but Influential Stint in LA
Dorian Finney-Smith quickly became a difference-maker for the Lakers after his arrival on the West Coast. His adaptability allowed the Lakers to manage both offensive and defensive responsibilities, particularly when it came to neutralizing powerful big men and complex offensive opponents. The forward’s ability to both stretch the floor and defend the paint made him invaluable to Los Angeles during their midseason turnaround, helping the team achieve an impressive 13-5 run at a critical point.
Finney-Smith also played an instrumental role off the court, especially in helping Luka Doncic transition successfully after the star’s high-profile move from the Dallas Mavericks. His presence smoothed Doncic’s adjustment period, providing stability and support for the Slovenian superstar, who had been visibly emotional following the trade. Many inside the organization and among supporters felt Finney-Smith’s calming influence paved the way for Doncic to regain his dominant form, establishing a sense of continuity and friendship crucial to successful franchise transitions.
Despite those contributions, when Finney-Smith declined his player option and requested a contract reflective of his value, the Lakers front office chose to let him test free agency. Chasing what might be his last major contract opportunity, the Virginia native opted for a four-year $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets. The Lakers used similar funds to sign multiple new players and a center, but the intangible leadership and chemistry provided by Finney-Smith cannot be so easily replaced.
Letting the Forward Walk Could Harm Team Unity and Culture
For a club with perennial championship aspirations, the decision to let go a key veteran such as Finney-Smith sends a strong and potentially unsettling message through the locker room. The move has led to speculation about how it will affect player morale, especially as even reliable teammates may now fear for their future with the franchise. It is particularly jarring for those who, like Finney-Smith, helped take the Lakers from an uncertain regular season to playoff contention.
Dorian Finney-Smith was credited by many with positively impacting the performance of teammates like Jarred Vanderbilt, facilitating individual improvements and supporting new arrivals. However, the franchise prioritized financial flexibility, deciding to clear salary cap space and target younger, less costly additions. This pragmatic approach could risk undermining the sense of loyalty or reward for impactful veterans, leaving the remaining roster unsettled. Players such as Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who have championed team-first mentalities in the past, now face the possibility of shifting locker room dynamics.
Luka Doncic May Feel the Absence Most Acutely
The connection between Finney-Smith and Luka Doncic ran deeper than most player partnerships, rooted in their shared tenure with the Dallas Mavericks. Finney-Smith’s steadying presence was vital to Doncic, particularly during a vulnerable period immediately after the trade, when the Slovenian required reassurance and friendship. With the franchise now positioning Doncic as its long-term centerpiece, the absence of his close ally introduces a challenge to maintaining the culture and emotional support system he had formed in Los Angeles.
While Doncic, a 26-year-old perennial All-NBA first-team selection, is expected to maintain professionalism, every high-profile athlete benefits from having trusted confidants and familiar faces in their corner. Although teammates will work to integrate him fully, the loss of the player so directly tied to Doncic’s acclimation may have unseen effects, both emotionally and in terms of performance. Missing that bridge to his past—someone who knew his game intimately—raises risks for both Doncic’s comfort and the franchise’s long-term cohesion.
Defensive Identity Now in Question Ahead of New Season
Much of the Lakers’ improved defensive reputation in recent seasons can be traced back to contributions from Finney-Smith. Even when Anthony Davis departed and Luka Doncic, who brought a reputation as a less consistent defender, joined the lineup, the Lakers managed to stay competitive defensively. Fans and analysts pinpoint the February 22 victory against the Denver Nuggets as a defensive masterclass with Finney-Smith’s strategic effort apparent throughout.
His exit casts doubt on whether the newly configured Lakers can maintain that same defensive edge, especially with a younger, less experienced cast now tasked with filling the void. The forward, standing at 6’7”, covered a variety of on-court roles and could adapt to shifting lineups, something the team may find difficult to replicate. As Dorian Finney-Smith now aims to bring his talents to the Houston Rockets and potentially contend for a championship there, Los Angeles risks struggling to regain the defensive solidity that powered their best performances last season.
What the Lakers Stand to Lose Beyond the Court
The impact of Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure extends beyond metrics and playbooks, cutting into the Lakers’ team chemistry and their ability to attract or retain star talent. High-profile exits like this can ripple through an organization, signaling to established veterans—and rising stars—that even key contributors are not guaranteed security or recognition. The effects of such decisions may be felt in future contract talks, roster retention, and the recruitment of other top free agents.
While financial flexibility is a common strategy in NBA front offices, there is a growing sense that the Lakers’ choice to prioritize cost-saving moves over continuity and leadership could haunt them in both the short and long term. Dorian Finney-Smith’s Lakers impact is likely to remain a talking point both inside the locker room and among the fan base, especially if the team struggles to reclaim its defensive identity or support new cornerstone Luka Doncic. Only time will tell if the franchise’s gamble will pay off, or if they have sacrificed more than just a veteran contract in their pursuit of another title run.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many 3s does Dorian Finney-Smith average?
A. Dorian Finney-Smith has made an average of 2.3 three-point shots per game in his most recent 10 games. StatMuse provides game-by-game data for three-pointers per game starting from the 1979-80 season.
Q. How many 3s does Dorian Finney-Smith average a game?
A. Dorian Finney-Smith has averaged 2.3 made three-point shots in each of his past 10 games. StatMuse tracks this data for every game since the 1979-80 season.