The Los Angeles Lakers went into the offseason knowing they needed to add to their core of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Early in free agency, they’ve had to subtract a player instead.
Longtime Dallas Maverick Dorian Finney-Smith is returning to Texas with a four-year contract with the Houston Rockets, a move that strengthens Houston’s already-formidable defense and weakens the Lakers significantly.
The Lakers added Finney-Smith in late December last year from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks, and he quickly become crucial, stabilizing the team’s defense and playing 34 minutes per game in the playoffs.
Now he’s gone for a $53M deal with the Rockets, who had room for the free-agent addition thanks to Fred VanVleet signing an extension that pays him $20M less than his previous contract. Houston has added Kevin Durant and Finney-Smith to its 52-win team, which had an excellent defense but an often sluggish offense.
Finney-Smith should help on both ends. He’s not a big scorer, but he’s a connector, helping to move the ball on offense without needing it in his hands. Last season, he made 41.1% of his three-pointers, and he’s used to playing with stars like Luka Doncic.
As much as this helps the Rockets, Finney-Smith’s departure probably hurts the Lakers more. They will reportedly shift their focus to a free-agent center like Brook Lopez or the recently bought-out Deandre Ayton, but there’s no obvious replacement for Finney-Smith on the Lakers’ roster.
It’s a great signing for the Rockets and for Finney-Smith. it’s a bad one for Doncic, James and the Lakers.