The 2025 NBA offseason is only just beginning, but new rivalries are already forming in the Western Conference. After signing Dorian Finney-Smith away from the Lakers on the first night of free agency, the Houston Rockets likely became public enemy number one in the eyes of Los Angeles Lakers fans.
Finney-Smith is just a role player, but he was an extremely important one in Los Angeles. His defensive versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, and low-maintenance role fit perfectly alongside stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
The Lakers leaned on DFS in big moments, particularly when healthy bodies were hard to come by, and his willingness to do the dirty work made him an ideal playoff rotation player. Now, not only is he gone, but he’s headed to a team that’s loaded up in a way that makes the Western Conference even tougher for LA to navigate.
This is where the tension comes in. Houston had already stolen headlines last week when it shockingly landed Kevin Durant in a blockbuster move. The addition of Finney-Smith gives the Rockets exactly the kind of defensive-minded role player they lacked during stretches last season.
Losing Dorian Finney-Smith hurts the Lakers
On the other hand, the Lakers now find themselves in a more precarious position. While LeBron James opted into his player option a few days ago, there was a quiet but unmistakable message attached to it: The front office needs to act.
LA still has plenty of moves to make around Luka and LeBron, especially after losing a piece like Finney-Smith to a direct competitor. There’s no doubt Rob Pelinka will stay aggressive, but this development makes it clear that time is of the essence.
It’s not just about one free agent signing. This is about momentum, direction, and the perception that one team is building upward while the other is still trying to figure things out. Houston is stacking talent, establishing a clear identity, and doing it by poaching players from the teams it hopes to dominate. The Lakers, once the darlings of the West after landing Luka, suddenly feel a step behind.
Rivalries in the NBA aren’t always rooted in decades of history. A lot of times, and especially in this day and age, they can begin with a free agency move that stings for one fanbase. And as the Rockets continue to rise, it’s clear they’ve just made themselves a problem the Lakers can’t ignore.