The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for an important transition as forward Dorian Finney-Smith has opted out of his contract and is expected to depart the team this summer. Reports indicate that he is likely to sign with the Houston Rockets, which raises concerns for the Lakers as they may be losing a key rotation player.
Finney-Smith’s departure would create a significant gap on the perimeter for the Lakers, a team that valued his contributions both defensively and in terms of team chemistry. His relationship with star player Luka Dončić during their time together has been well-documented, and that chemistry translated into his performance on the court. The Lakers had initially invested resources to acquire Finney-Smith, including trading away three second-round picks along with players like D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis.
While the loss will certainly be felt, there may be a silver lining. Finney-Smith’s exit could allow the Lakers to approach free agency with added flexibility, particularly in targeting top centers which they desperately need. With the possibility of utilizing the full mid-level exception, the team can pivot towards securing a frontcourt presence that could complement their existing roster.
Despite these potential opportunities, the challenge remains for the Lakers to effectively fill the void left by Finney-Smith. His versatility was crucial in executing the team’s small-ball strategy, and his absence will require the Lakers to make critical decisions as they navigate this summer’s free agency landscape.
The road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities for the organization, and there is hope that proactive moves can be made to not only address the current gaps but to strengthen the overall team construct moving forward.