The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant splash this week, shaking up their roster in a dramatic fashion. In a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis packing, the Lakers acquired none other than Luka Doncic, the brilliant and often controversial Dallas Mavericks superstar. The move marks the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise, one that aims to build around Doncic as they transition into the post-LeBron James era.
Among those excited about the move is Dorian Finney-Smith, who was also traded to the Lakers as part of the deal. While Finney-Smith hasn’t been with the Lakers very long, his connection to Doncic is undeniable. The two played together in Dallas for several years, forming a dynamic duo on the court. Finney-Smith has been a steadfast defender of Doncic in recent days, especially after criticism of Doncic’s conditioning began to surface.
The NBA world was buzzing with reports of Doncic’s weight and fitness struggles, with some pundits questioning whether his physical shape might hinder his performance as the Lakers embark on this bold new journey. But Finney-Smith, ever the loyal teammate, stepped up to defend his friend and fellow player, praising Doncic’s commitment to his game and leadership skills.
“We’ve been through a lot together in Dallas, and I know Luka better than anyone,” Finney-Smith said when asked about the criticism surrounding his teammate’s conditioning. “What people don’t see is all the hard work he puts in when no one is watching. Luka’s the first one to arrive at the gym and the last to leave. He’s always trying to get better, always looking to push himself. He may not have the ideal body type for a typical athlete, but what people need to understand is that his skills and his mind—that’s what sets him apart.”
This passionate defence comes after multiple NBA analysts and former players raised concerns about Doncic’s physical condition, particularly after his performances in recent games. Many pointed to the noticeable differences in his weight compared to previous seasons, prompting some to question whether he would be able to keep up with the fast pace of the Lakers’ high-intensity system.
But Finney-Smith isn’t the only one who believes that critics are overlooking Doncic’s remarkable talents. The 24-year-old guard has consistently dominated on the court, averaging over 30 points per game this season, despite the ongoing scrutiny of his conditioning. His vision, basketball IQ, and ability to dominate in clutch moments have led many to label him one of the top players in the NBA. Doncic’s conditioning, or lack thereof, doesn’t seem to prevent him from performing at the highest level, and his ability to lead his teams to playoff contention is undeniable.
During an emotional first conversation with reporters after the trade, Doncic shared his excitement about the reunion with Finney-Smith and his plans to make an immediate impact for the Lakers. “Dorian is one of my closest friends in basketball,” Doncic said, with a smile. “I’ve missed playing with him, and I’m excited for what we can do together here in LA. We’ve been through so many battles in Dallas, and now we get a fresh start on a big stage. I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m ready to lead this team.”
Finney-Smith, too, seemed energized by the move. “It’s been a crazy few days,” he admitted when asked how he felt about joining the Lakers. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but honestly, it feels good to be around Luka again. We have that chemistry. We know how to play off each other, and I think that will be important for us as we try to make a run.”
As the dust settles on this massive trade, one thing is clear: the Lakers are hoping that the combination of Luka Doncic’s explosive talent and the leadership of veterans like LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith will give them the edge they need to succeed in the highly competitive Western Conference. But with the scrutiny surrounding Doncic’s conditioning, the spotlight will be on him more than ever before.
Head coach Darvin Ham echoed the sentiments of Finney-Smith, stating that he’s not concerned about Doncic’s physicality in the long run. “Luka’s got all the tools to be one of the best players in the world,” Ham said. “We’re not asking him to be perfect right away. We want him to come in, adjust, and contribute however he can. He’s a true competitor, and he’s going to do whatever it takes to help this team win.”
For Finney-Smith, the focus now shifts to building a winning culture alongside Doncic and the rest of the Lakers squad. Despite the pressure of playing in LA, where expectations are always high, Finney-Smith is confident in his ability to step up and be a key contributor.
“We know the weight of what we’re doing here,” Finney-Smith said. “But Luka and I—we’ve been in tough situations before. We’ve always found a way to rise to the occasion. That’s what we’re going to do here. We’re going to fight together, and we’re going to help lead this team to the top.”
The next chapter in Luka Doncic’s career is just beginning, and with the support of trusted teammates like Dorian Finney-Smith, it’s clear that the Lakers’ new star has the backing he needs to silence his critics and prove that his game is more than enough to dominate at the highest level.
As the Lakers look to build on their latest acquisitions, one thing is for sure: Doncic and Finney-Smith’s partnership will be one to watch as they continue to work toward a championship in the post-LeBron era.