The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025-26 season with high expectations, bolstered by a revamped roster featuring stars like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. However, head coach JJ Redick recently highlighted a significant issue that could haunt the team: the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith. Acquired from the Brooklyn Nets before last season’s trade deadline, Finney-Smith proved to be the ultimate glue guy—a versatile defender, intelligent cutter, and high-I.Q. player who seamlessly tied the Lakers’ lineups together. His departure to the Houston Rockets on a four-year deal has left a void that the Lakers may struggle to fill, especially with LeBron James potentially missing the first month of the season.
The Finney-Smith Factor
Finney-Smith’s impact last season was undeniable. Traded to the Lakers at the cost of three second-round picks, he quickly became a linchpin in Redick’s system. His ability to guard multiple positions, make smart off-ball cuts, and contribute to winning plays made him indispensable, particularly in lineups without LeBron James. Redick himself recently acknowledged Finney-Smith’s critical role, noting his value in stabilizing the team during James’ absences. The hope was that the Lakers would re-sign the veteran wing, but when negotiations for a multi-year deal stalled, Finney-Smith opted for Houston, leaving a gaping hole in the Lakers’ rotation.
The New-Look Lakers: Strengths and Questions
The Lakers’ starting lineup is shaping up to feature Rui Hachimura, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton as core pieces. The fifth spot, however, remains a question mark, with Redick likely to employ a situational approach. Several players could vie for the role, each bringing a unique skill set:
Marcus Smart: A physical, defensive-minded guard with a proven pedigree, Smart could anchor the backcourt when the Lakers need to lock down opponents.
Jake LaRavia: A sharpshooter with off-ball movement, LaRavia (along with rookie Dalton Knecht) offers spacing and scoring punch.
Gabe Vincent: A veteran capable of initiating the offense, Vincent could alleviate ball-handling duties, allowing Doncic and Reaves to play off the ball.
Adou Thiero: The rookie wing has athletic potential but is still developing and missed significant time during the summer and preseason.
While these options provide flexibility, none perfectly replicate Finney-Smith’s unique blend of defensive versatility, basketball I.Q., and seamless fit within the team’s system.
Jarred Vanderbilt: The Closest Fit?
Among the candidates, Jarred Vanderbilt stands out as the player most likely to fill Finney-Smith’s shoes. A defensive-minded forward with exceptional length and athleticism, Vanderbilt brings energy and thrives in transition, feeding off passes from Doncic and Reaves. His preexisting chemistry with the Lakers’ core gives him an edge over newcomers like Smart or LaRavia. However, Vanderbilt’s offensive limitations, particularly his lack of shooting, prevent him from fully matching Finney-Smith’s two-way impact. While Vanderbilt can replicate the defensive intensity and hustle, the Lakers may miss Finney-Smith’s ability to space the floor and make smart offensive reads.
The Ripple Effect of LeBron’s Absence
With LeBron James’ return timeline uncertain, the absence of a player like Finney-Smith becomes even more glaring. Last season, Finney-Smith’s presence ensured the Lakers remained competitive in James-less lineups, providing defensive stability and offensive connectivity. Without him, Redick faces the challenge of piecing together lineups that can maintain the team’s identity. The Lakers’ depth offers options, but the lack of a true “glue guy” could expose vulnerabilities, especially against teams with versatile wings or dynamic offenses.
Can the Lakers Fill the Void?
The loss of Finney-Smith underscores a broader issue for the Lakers: finding a player who can bridge the gap between their star-studded core and a cohesive, winning unit. While Vanderbilt, Smart, LaRavia, and others bring valuable skills, none offer the complete package that Finney-Smith provided. Redick’s system relies on players who can defend, move off the ball, and make high-I.Q. plays—qualities Finney-Smith embodied. The Lakers’ front office may need to explore the trade market or rely on internal development to address this gap, but for now, the void remains a significant concern.
As the season unfolds, the Lakers’ ability to adapt without Finney-Smith will be a defining factor. Redick’s candid acknowledgment of his former player’s impact only amplifies the challenge ahead. The new-look Lakers have the talent to compete, but without a true replacement for their former glue guy, they may find themselves searching for answers in critical moments.