Based on Dorian Finney-Smith’s Houston Rockets comments, the Los Angeles Lakers’ mess doesn’t look quite as bad (but it’s still bad).
The Los Angeles Lakers’ loss of Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency this summer was initially perceived as a catastrophic misstep for the franchise. The veteran forward, acquired mid-season from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, had become a valuable asset for the team. However, his departure, marred by reported tensions and strategic decisions by the Lakers’ front office, painted a messy picture. Recent comments from Finney-Smith at the Houston Rockets’ Media Day, however, offer a slightly different perspective, suggesting that his exit may not have been entirely the Lakers’ fault—though the situation remains far from ideal.
A Key Piece in LA
Finney-Smith, a former teammate of Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks, joined the Lakers last season and quickly proved his worth. He slotted seamlessly into the starting lineup, helping the team to an impressive 14-6 record in the 20 regular-season games he started. His versatility as a two-way wing, capable of defending multiple positions and knocking down shots, made him a fan favorite and a critical component of the Lakers’ rotation. During the postseason, despite a dip in shooting efficiency, Finney-Smith logged heavy minutes, averaging 34.0 per game in the Lakers’ five-game playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His on-court contributions were undeniable, and his presence in the locker room was equally valued. By all accounts, Finney-Smith was a popular figure among teammates, bringing grit and leadership to a team striving to reclaim its championship pedigree.
A Messy Divorce
Despite his contributions, Finney-Smith’s tenure in Los Angeles ended on a sour note. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, negotiations with the Lakers fell apart, and reports surfaced that painted the organization in an unflattering light. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka was reportedly telling people around the league that Finney-Smith’s knee was in poor condition. Unfortunately for the Lakers, those comments made their way back to Finney-Smith, creating tension and likely souring any chance of a reunion.
Additionally, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers made a calculated decision to prioritize cap space for 2027, when they anticipate having room to sign a max-salary free agent, over re-signing Finney-Smith. While this decision may align with long-term goals, it left many fans and analysts questioning the team’s immediate competitiveness, especially after losing a player of Finney-Smith’s caliber.
The combination of Pelinka’s reported comments and the Lakers’ financial strategy made the situation appear disastrous. The team not only lost a key contributor but also risked damaging its reputation among players and agents in a league where relationships matter.
A New Perspective from Houston
Finney-Smith’s recent comments at the Houston Rockets’ Media Day, however, suggest that his departure may not have been solely due to the Lakers’ missteps. Now donning the red of the Rockets, Finney-Smith spoke positively about his new home, hinting that a return to Texas was always appealing. “I’m just getting used to everything being 30 minutes away,” he said, via ClutchFans on Twitter. “My family loves Texas. Get back to some of that Texas barbecue. Just trying to find out the difference between Houston and Dallas. I’ve been hearing Houston is a lot better than Dallas.”
These remarks indicate that Finney-Smith, a Texas native who previously played for the Dallas Mavericks, may have had one foot out the door before free agency began. His affinity for Texas, coupled with the opportunity to join a promising young Rockets team, suggests that his decision to leave LA was influenced by personal and professional factors beyond the Lakers’ control. The reported friction with Pelinka and the team’s cap-space strategy likely didn’t help, but Finney-Smith’s comments paint a picture of a player who was already leaning toward a homecoming.
A Silver Lining?
While Finney-Smith’s departure still stings for Lakers fans, his Media Day comments offer a slight silver lining. The narrative that the Lakers botched their handling of a key free agent remains valid, but it’s now tempered by the possibility that Finney-Smith was drawn to Houston for reasons unrelated to the Lakers’ missteps. His excitement about returning to Texas and embracing the Rockets’ culture suggests that he wasn’t necessarily driven away by LA but rather pulled toward a situation that felt like home.
That said, the Lakers aren’t entirely off the hook. Pelinka’s reported comments about Finney-Smith’s knee were a PR misstep at best and, at worst, a breach of trust that could impact future free-agent negotiations. The decision to prioritize 2027 cap space over retaining a proven contributor also raises questions about the team’s short-term priorities, especially in a competitive Western Conference.
Moving Forward
As the Lakers move on without Finney-Smith, they’ll need to rely on their existing core and new additions to fill the void. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith appears content in Houston, where he’ll bring his defensive tenacity and shooting to a Rockets team looking to take the next step. For Lakers fans, the situation is a reminder of the delicate balance between long-term planning and maintaining goodwill with players who wear the purple and gold.
In the end, the “disaster” of losing Finney-Smith looks slightly less catastrophic in light of his comments, but it’s still a cautionary tale for a franchise that can’t afford many more missteps if it hopes to contend in the near future.