The Los Angeles Lakers made a strategic move by not re-signing Dorian Finney-Smith, who has struggled since joining the Houston Rockets. This decision is proving to be wise as the team finds itself leading the Rockets 2-0 in the first round of the playoffs.
Lakers’ Decision on Dorian Finney-Smith
In the offseason, the Lakers allowed Finney-Smith to depart for the Rockets. At the time, fans and analysts criticized this choice. They felt that keeping Finney-Smith might have been beneficial, especially given his connection with Luka Dončić during their time in Dallas. However, the team aimed for greater financial flexibility for future seasons.
Current Performance and Impact
Finney-Smith’s performance with the Rockets has been disappointing. He has not logged any minutes in the playoffs as the Lakers dominate their old rivals. The Rockets had hoped he would be a key 3-and-D player, but Finney-Smith has struggled with his game significantly.
- Contract details: Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $53 million contract with Houston.
- Performance stats: This season, he has averaged 3.3 points with 33.3% shooting from the field.
- Three-point shooting: He is hitting only 27% from beyond the arc this season.
Looking Ahead
While complexity surrounds Finney-Smith’s struggles, the Lakers are reaping the benefits of their choices. As they head to Houston for Games 3 and 4, the contrast between both teams’ performances is stark. The Lakers are thankful for their decision, hoping for Finney-Smith’s return to form next season.
The situation illustrates the unpredictable nature of player performance in the NBA. Fans celebrate the Lakers’ success while acknowledging that the path taken by Finney-Smith could have unfolded differently under other circumstances.
