Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure from the Los Angeles Lakers surprised many, especially after his pivotal role in the team’s postseason success since joining in December 2024. Under JJ Redick’s leadership, he fortified the Lakers’ defense becoming a cornerstone of the defensive side. Recently, he shared insights on Luka Doncic‘s entry into the franchise, offering a glimpse into his rapport with the star player.
“Oh, man. I was so happy, man. To be honest, I thought I was going to finish my career with Luka (Doncic) in LA, but like I said, things happened. We were excited, you know, happy to get him back. Also sad that everything that happened… the bad talk about his weight, and just all that, cause I knew who he is as a person,” Finney-Smith said, via Wavy TV 10.
After leaving Dallas, many reports surfaced regarding his lack of commitment to his dietary regimen. It was even said that this played a major role in his many injuries in the final stretch of his tenure at Mavericks. This was quickly denied by Luka and his entourage. Despite this, the Slovenian showed total commitment and an easy adaptation to the roster where he is now the leader of the offense.
Furthermore, Dorian Finney-Smith revealed some details about his rapport with Luka. “He, you know, he won’t talk badly about anybody, and you know, he cares. Just like when I went to the Rockets, he shot me a text, ‘I’m happy for you. I’m proud of you. I know you’re excited to be back with your kids and family.’ Things like that show me that he cared,” Dorian Finney-Smith said, via Wavy TV 10.
The strong camaraderie between them off the court translated into an impressive synergy during games. Dorian played a crucial role in facilitating Luka’s seamless integration into the team. His defensive prowess aligned perfectly with the Lakers star’s requirements. Moreover, he showed his ability to contribute offensively when necessary, making him an invaluable asset for JJ Redick.
While Finney-Smith’s departure posed a significant challenge for the team, general manager Rob Pelinka took decisive action. He brought in Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart to fill his void on the roster. The pressing question now is whether these new additions can make a substantial impact and develop the same on-court chemistry with Luka that Dorian once had.