The Los Angeles Lakers made a questionable free agency decision this summer.
Luka Dončić and LeBron James will aim to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA title in 2025-26, but one obvious misstep may cost the storied franchise in the near future.
The Lakers lost a few key pieces this offseason, but the departure of two-way forward and excellent three-point marksman Dorian Finney-Smith hurt the most.
Finney-Smith accepted a 4-year, $52 million deal with the Houston Rockets as an unrestricted free agent after Los Angeles failed to meet his demands. As a result, one NBA writer believes that the Lakers' refusal to hand the experienced role player a 4-year contract will play a massive role in their ultimate undoing.
"While Finney-Smith wanted long-term security, the organization seemingly did not feel he warranted that," ClutchPoints' RB Hayek wrote Thursday afternoon.
"Additionally, he is 32 years old, and the Lakers likely were not willing to commit more than two years."
"Finney-Smith was a great three-and-D wing defender. Also, his off-court chemistry with Doncic was great."
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"On paper, it looks like something that could come back to haunt them."
Though Finney-Smith will be entering his age-32 season in 2025-26, his decision to join Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün on the Rockets certainly messes with the Lakers' future plans for championship contention.
After the 6-foot-7 forward was dealt to Los Angeles from the Brooklyn Nets this past season, he contributed 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds while connecting on 39.8% of his 4.8 attempts from three-point range in 28.8 minutes.
Finney-Smith's defensive versatility and outside shot-making will be sorely missed, especially by Dončić, whom he developed a great relationship with as former members of the Dallas Mavericks from 2018-2023.
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Category: Basketball
