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Dorian Finney-Smith No Longer a Free Agent as He Clinches a 4-Year Deal with the LakersIn a significant move that strengthens the Los Angeles Lakers’ wing depth and defensive versatility, forward Dorian Finney-Smith has agreed to a four-year contract with the storied franchise.
After exploring free agency following his stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith has chosen the Lakers as his next destination, bringing his signature grit, perimeter defense, and three-point shooting to a team looking to reload for another championship push.
The contract is reportedly worth $52 million over four years, with the final season being a player option. This deal represents both a solid financial commitment from the Lakers and a long-term investment in a player who has made a name for himself as one of the league’s most reliable 3-and-D wings.Finney-Smith, 31, averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and shot 34.8% from three-point range last season. While not a flashy scorer, his value lies in his ability to guard multiple positions, switch on defense, and space the floor—qualities that are highly coveted in today’s NBA. His length, mobility, and discipline on defense make him a trusted option against elite wings, and his experience in high-pressure playoff scenarios adds depth to the Lakers’ roster.
The Lakers’ decision to pursue Finney-Smith signals their commitment to surrounding stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis with tough, defensive-minded veterans. Head coach Darvin Ham praised the move in a brief statement, noting, “Dorian brings the kind of toughness, professionalism, and two-way impact we value. He’s the type of player that fits seamlessly into what we’re building here.”The Lakers’ front office had reportedly been monitoring Finney-Smith since before the trade deadline, intrigued by his ability to stretch the floor and guard top-tier offensive threats.
Now, with his signature on the dotted line, they’ve addressed one of their key offseason priorities—adding wing depth and defense without compromising long-term flexibility.Finney-Smith’s path to the NBA was anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2016 out of the University of Florida, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks and carved out a role through hustle and work ethic. Over the years, he evolved into a vital piece of the Mavericks’ rotation, particularly during their deep playoff run in 2022.
His tenure in Dallas ended in 2023 when he was traded to Brooklyn as part of the Kyrie Irving deal.Though his time in Brooklyn was relatively short, Finney-Smith continued to showcase his versatility and leadership. As a veteran presence on a young Nets squad, he took on a mentoring role, while continuing to contribute on both ends of the floor.Now, joining a team with championship aspirations and an aging core, Finney-Smith will be tasked with stabilizing the Lakers’ defense, taking on tough matchups night in and night out, and knocking down open looks created by LeBron James’ playmaking and Davis’ interior gravity.Analysts have praised the signing as a low-risk, high-reward move.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted that the deal gives the Lakers “one of the league’s most dependable role players at a fair price point,” while NBA insider Shams Charania called Finney-Smith “a quiet difference-maker who could swing playoff games.”As for Finney-Smith, the move to Los Angeles represents both a fresh opportunity and a return to title contention. In his introductory press conference, he said, “I’ve always admired how the Lakers play the game—fast, physical, and smart.
I’m here to help in any way I can and give it everything I’ve got.”With this signing, the Lakers signal they’re not standing pat after a turbulent 2024 season. While questions remain about the rest of their offseason moves, the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith is a clear step toward building a roster equipped for another deep playoff run.
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