Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers made several significant additions during the 2025 NBA offseason, yet one key decision might come back to haunt them. While the front office focused on shoring up the roster following a disappointing first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, letting a reliable defender walk could turn into the offseason’s biggest regret.
What the Los Angeles Lakers Did Right
After struggling on the glass and lacking reliable depth in the 2025 playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers acted quickly. They signed Deandre Ayton to address their rim protection issues and added Marcus Smart to bring veteran leadership and defensive toughness off the bench.
Key Offseason Signings:
PlayerContract DetailsRole Deandre Ayton Starting center Rim protection, rebounding Marcus Smart $11 million deal Bench depth, defensive leadershipThese moves addressed some glaring problems—particularly rebounding and guard defense—but they didn’t fix everything. The one move the Lakers didn’t make could have filled a major gap on the wing.
The Mistake: Letting Dorian Finney-Smith Walk
Dorian Finney-Smith (Image via Getty)
Perhaps the most significant misstep this offseason was allowing Dorian Finney-Smith to leave for the Houston Rockets. The veteran forward declined his $15 million option with the Lakers and instead signed a four-year, $53 million deal with Houston.The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly offered a two-year deal, but Finney-Smith was looking for long-term security. That discrepancy caused the breakdown in negotiations, especially after trust between the player and organization reportedly eroded.“He is 32 years old, and the Lakers likely were not willing to commit more than two years,” RB Hayek wrote in his original report.
Why Finney-Smith’s Exit Matters
Finney-Smith was one of the Lakers’ most dependable perimeter defenders. His ability to switch, contest shots, and work off the ball gave the team flexibility on defense, especially against elite forwards like Kawhi Leonard or bigger guards using screens and cuts.His absence leaves the Lakers vulnerable in critical matchups, especially against teams like the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers, who rely heavily on off-ball movement and physical play from wings.
Defensive Gaps Created by His Departure:
• Perimeter defense downgraded: Rui Hachimura is slotted to start at small forward, but he doesn’t offer Finney-Smith’s elite perimeter defense. • Chemistry lost: Finney-Smith’s rapport with Luka Doncic helped with both on-court efficiency and locker-room cohesion. • Tougher matchups: The Lakers now have fewer reliable options to defend elite wings and stretch forwards.
Can Other Moves Compensate for the Loss?
Despite the setback, the Lakers still boast a strong core: • LeBron James remains effective even in his 40s. • Luka Doncic is among the NBA’s top offensive weapons. • Austin Reaves provides solid perimeter shooting. • Deandre Ayton will anchor the paint. • Marcus Smart will give support defensively against opposing guards.However, the pressure now shifts to players like Jake LaRavia, who will need to step into a larger defensive role far sooner than expected.
What It Means Moving Forward
Letting Finney-Smith go wasn’t just a personnel loss—it was a missed opportunity for continuity and defensive balance. Whether the Lakers made the right call will become clear once the season starts, particularly during their first clash with the Houston Rockets, where Finney-Smith will team up with Kevin Durant.Possible Outcomes: • If the Lakers struggle defensively, especially against wings, this decision will be a talking point all year. • If Finney-Smith thrives in Houston, the optics will only worsen.The Los Angeles Lakers made several smart moves this offseason, but passing on a long-term commitment to Dorian Finney-Smith may prove costly. They’ve added size and toughness, but the lack of a defensive wing stopper could be the missing piece in their championship hopes. With the Western Conference loaded with top-tier forwards, the Lakers might soon realize just how valuable Finney-Smith was.Also read: “Out of Nowhere?”: Skip Bayless Doubts Lakers Star Luka Doncic’s Makeover Before Contract Extension, Calls Him a ‘Fat Rat’As RB Hayek pointed out, “Losing him causes a major void… that might bite the Los Angeles Lakers down the line.”