Dorian Finney-Smith felt mixed emotions when the Los Angeles Lakers let him walk away to join the Houston Rockets. The decision has created ripple effects that could impact the Lakers’ future, especially with Luka Dončić’s contract situation looming.
Toward the end of 2024, the Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell and other assets to the Brooklyn Nets, receiving Finney-Smith as part of the return package. Less than two months later, the team acquired Dončić, and many fans expected the superstar would feel more comfortable with his new team, given his existing relationship and close bond with Finney-Smith.
Why Did the Lakers Let Dorian Finney-Smith Walk Away?
While most teams work to keep important players under contract by offering new deals before their current agreements expire, the Lakers chose not to make an offer to Finney-Smith. Instead, they let him leave as a free agent, allowing the Rockets to swoop in with a four-year contract worth almost $53 million.
The Lakers made this decision to prioritize cap space for 2027, when superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could potentially become free agents. The organization was also unwilling to retain Finney-Smith over signing both Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.
However, this timing might work against the Lakers. Letting Finney-Smith walk just as Dončić is expected to sign a new contract with the team could influence the superstar’s decision. Brian Windhorst spoke on this situation during a recent episode of his podcast, Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective.
“The LeBron stuff, not ideal. And that is a guy that Luka grew up with; he was his favourite player growing up. And just quite frankly, like the way the Dorian Finney-Smith thing went down… not ideal, he’s one of Luka’s all-time favourite teammates…I don’t think that Dorian Finney-Smith left really thrilled with how the Lakers’ front office handled that whole situation, which isn’t ideal.”
The combination of letting Finney-Smith go and the constant trade rumors surrounding LeBron James creates challenges for the Lakers in their ongoing contract negotiations with Dončić. The young superstar represents a generational talent that the team wants to keep for years to come, making it crucial not to start off on the wrong foot.
This situation leaves fans wondering how Finney-Smith’s departure will affect the Lakers heading into the 2025-26 season and whether it will complicate their efforts to secure Dončić’s long-term commitment to the franchise.
