Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick has acknowledged that the departure of forward Dorian Finney-Smith leaves a significant void in the team’s lineup, one that will be difficult to fill in both performance and chemistry.
Finney-Smith joined the Lakers in December 2024, and his arrival proved instrumental in the franchise’s resurgence. His presence helped the team reach 50 wins, solidifying himself as a cornerstone on defense while contributing with consistent three-point shooting. His versatility and commitment quickly earned the respect of both teammates and fans, becoming one of the most reliable two-way players on the roster.
However, something changed between the player and the organization. Rather than extending his stay in Los Angeles, Finney-Smith declined his player option and chose to test free agency. The 31-year-old forward ultimately signed with the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $52.7 million deal, of which $12.7 million will be guaranteed for this upcoming season.
The timing could not be worse for the Lakers. Alongside Finney-Smith’s exit, the team will also be without LeBron James for three to four weeks due to recurring sciatic nerve issues. This leaves Redick’s squad shorthanded and facing the start of the 2025 season without two key contributors.
In light of these setbacks, Los Angeles will need to rely heavily on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The dynamic duo has already proven its effectiveness in stretches without James last season, showing creativity, poise, and resilience under pressure. Now, with Finney-Smith gone, their leadership on and off the court will be crucial to keeping the team competitive through the early portion of the schedule.
Doncic, Reaves, and Finney-Smith had built a strong core for the Lakers, one that provided balance on both ends of the floor. Their cohesion was a vital reason the team stayed afloat when injuries struck last year. Redick now faces the task of reestablishing that balance with new faces and a reshaped rotation.
The exact formula for keeping the Lakers competitive early in the season
All indications point to Reddick leaning more on Deandre Ayton, whose size and interior presence could stabilize the team’s defense and rebounding. Ayton’s role will be vital in maintaining the Lakers’ physical edge, particularly during James’s absence.
Additionally, Jarred Vanderbilt could be another valuable contributor, bringing energy and defensive versatility to help compensate for the loss of Finney-Smith. The coach also has the option to integrate Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart more deeply into the rotation, two players capable of providing defensive intensity and secondary scoring options.
The challenges for the Lakers are undeniable, but so are the opportunities within their roster. With the right adjustments, smart rotations, and a renewed sense of urgency, J.J. Redick’s squad could still find ways to weather the storm and start the 2025 season on a strong note.
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