No organization manages to turn the NBA upside down quite as consistently as the Los Angeles Lakers. Just six years after altering the landscape of the Association by acquiring Anthony Davis, and five after winning a championship with him, Los Angeles shook things up once again.
As first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers have traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team deal that will bring Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.
The obvious and immediate reaction to the trade is that the Lakers have their new franchise player. Doncic is just 25 years of age and is already a five-time All-NBA First Team honoree with a scoring title, an NBA Finals appearance, and two trips to the Conference Finals under his belt.
If Doncic simply continues to do for the Lakers what he's done for the Mavericks, then there's reason to believe that an 18th championship banner could be in the works.
While everyone in Los Angeles is likely excited about Doncic's arrival, one player in particular should be grinning from ear to ear: Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith will be reunited with his former teammate in an even more star-studded environment.
Despite the fact that he has a player option for the 2025-26 season, Finney-Smith can now confidently view the Lakers as his long-term home.
Dorian Finney-Smith reuniting with Luka Doncic after major Lakers trade
Finney-Smith played alongside Doncic on the Mavericks between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Between 2019-20 and 2021-22, Doncic helped Finney-Smith shoot 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and solidify his place as one of the best 3-and-D forwards in the NBA.
Finney-Smith has continued to play at that level during stints with the Brooklyn Nets and the Lakers, helping to turn things around for the purple and gold on defense in 2024-25.
Los Angeles acquired Finney-Smith at the end of December and immediately made drastic improvements. Since Jan. 1, the Lakers rank No. 8 in the NBA in defensive rating—a massive improvement from ranking No. 21 through Dec. 31.
Finney-Smith has played a direct role in that success, with Los Angeles allowing just 105.8 points per 100 possessions when he's on the court and 114.9 when he isn't.
With Doncic joining the Lakers, perhaps Finney-Smith's offensive game will begin to take shape, as well. He's already shown signs of progress, dropping 15 points in 32 minutes during Los Angeles' final game before the trade.
Doncic's arrival is certain to promote Finney-Smith's continued usage as a valued offensive player, especially when one considers the chemistry they've already developed.
If Doncic and Finney-Smith showcase the chemistry that made them successful teammates in Dallas, consider a new contract a virtual guarantee. It remains unclear whether or not Finney-Smith will accept his player option for the 2025-26 season, but if the Lakers' new franchise player wants him around, the front office should take notice.
Every off-ball scoring threat stands to benefit from Doncic's arrival, but it's Finney-Smith who stands to profit the most among Lakers players.