Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith shared a close friendship during their time with the Dallas Mavericks. Before Doncic’s unexpected trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last year, he mentioned that Finney-Smith would always be “my man” and expressed hope that they would play together again.
“I miss him so much,” Doncic said while still with the Mavericks, prior to Finney-Smith’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. “At some point we’re certainly going to play again. That’s my guy.”
That prediction didn’t take long to materialize. By the next season, both players were part of separate deals involving the Lakers. Nico Harrison, the Mavericks’ general manager, noted his excitement about the situation, remarking on a scale of one to ten, “10. That’s my man, that’s my man,” in response to questions about his enthusiasm.
Watching their gameplay together, it’s easy to see why Doncic feels this way. His unique play style opens opportunities for Finney-Smith, allowing him to take advantage of the most open three-point shots. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith’s defensive skills take some pressure off Doncic, making their dynamic on the court quite effective.
Off the court, their friendship is also evident, from sharing meals on the road to Finney-Smith defending Doncic when criticisms about his weight emerged after his trade from Dallas.
Finney-Smith made life easier for Doncic, and Doncic duly recognized that by valuing Finney-Smith’s contributions on the offensive end. However, things took an unexpected turn when the Lakers decided to let Finney-Smith leave as a free agent, especially given the situation with the Houston Rockets.
Rumors of Tension between the Lakers and Finney-Smith
Reports surfaced that indicated Finney-Smith’s departure was likely before free agency began, suggesting that negotiations with the Lakers weren’t going well. This speculation hinted that Finney-Smith’s camp felt neglected during talks.
Even if undercutting was not the intention, several insiders noted that Finney-Smith’s side was dissatisfied with how negotiations unfolded, leading to a sense of discontent. Discussions certainly didn’t end on a positive note, according to various reports.
“Negotiations were going badly,” said one commentator, suggesting that Finney-Smith’s agents felt undervalued during the process.
Ultimately, only key figures like Pelinka and Finney-Smith know the full story, but it’s evident that relations became strained during this whole process.
Why It Matters
The Lakers may have lost an important player without fully understanding the implications, especially as Finney-Smith signed a four-year deal with the Rockets. In contrast, the Lakers only offered a two-year contract, seemingly trying to clear cap space, which raises questions about their strategy.
In the larger picture, Doncic is set for a significant contract extension, and while it remains to be seen how this situation will affect his thoughts about the Lakers, there’s a chance it could influence his willingness to engage in a long-term commitment.
If Doncic feels undervalued or if he perceives the front office in a negative light, that could impact his decisions regarding the team’s future. This situation is something for the Lakers to consider as they navigate the complexities of securing their star player.
