Former LA Lakers player Dorian Finney Smith has agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets after rejecting the player’s option with purple and gold.
The 32-year-old was rumoured to be a player who expressed interest in the Houston Rockets continuing their fantastic offseason.
However, there was hope that La Lakers would try to offer a deal that would convince him to stay, particularly because of how close he was to star player Luka Donsic.
His move to the Rockets means the Lakers will now have to fill their wing positions with acquisitions that can defend at a high level.
Finney-Smith is a high-level 3 and D player, making it a great addition for Rockets, who recently added Kevin Durant to his team.
They lost Dillon Brooks as part of a deal that saw KD come to the roster, but DFS is a big alternative for Canadians.
Fans shared their thoughts on DFS signing Rockets through X’s tweet.
One fan said: “Good for Doe Doe. The Lakers don’t deserve you.”
Someone added: “This is good for the Rockets and I fully understand why the Lakers handed this deal. I think DFS was really grateful for what he could do because he was fighting injuries. He’s overlooked.”
Another said the Lakers had Finney Smith leave without doing anything.
Users also said, “Durant gets two amazing Wing Defenders, DFS and Amen. They are the luckyest players in NBA history.”
Another rival fan laughed at the Lakers by tweeting, “What is Lakers fans happyn? Lmaooo.”
“Men, four years is abrupt, but Houston picked up the dog. The Lakers will miss him,” a fan tweeted.
Finney Smith, who enters free agency, will be what the Lakers don’t want as there are teams that will soar him because of how good he is.
Apart from knocking down three pointers with efficient percentages, DFS is also a sensational defender, allowing you to lock down the best players in the opposition every night.
His relationship with Don Sic was great, and his presence with the Lakers helped the Slovenians quickly adapt to life in LA.
JJ Redick praised Finney Smith several times last season. Not only for his game, but for his leadership as well.
Knowing all of that, the decision to give up a player can prove costly for them.
Certainly, he performed very poorly in the postseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Finney Smith consistently handled injuries during his time with the Lakers.
They need to find a player who can do their part as it is key to winning the championship.
There aren’t many names that can do the same thing. So Rob Perinka has to pull a lot apart once more, as it could prove to be a Lakers’ difference next season.