Lakers Look Even Worse in Dorian Finney-Smith Saga After Latest Offseason Twist Exposes Front Office Missteps…see more…
The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves at the center of yet another offseason debacle, this time involving veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith — and it’s a saga that continues to expose serious cracks in the team’s front-office decision-making.
What started as a rumored interest in acquiring Finney-Smith, a versatile defender and proven playoff contributor, has now turned into a cautionary tale of miscommunication, missed timing, and front-office indecision that is causing ripples throughout the league. As the 2025 offseason unfolds, new revelations suggest the Lakers not only failed to pull the trigger on a deal when they had the chance but may have seriously misread both the market and the moment.
Missed Opportunity Becomes Embarrassment
Reports had circulated since early June that the Lakers were among several teams in talks with the Brooklyn Nets regarding Finney-Smith, who had become a valuable trade chip amid Brooklyn’s retooling efforts. According to league sources, the Nets were open to moving the 31-year-old forward for a package centered around a late first-round pick and an expiring contract — a price widely considered reasonable given Finney-Smith’s experience, defensive upside, and team-friendly contract.
However, the Lakers reportedly balked at the asking price, citing concerns over preserving future draft flexibility and keeping their books clean for a potential third star. Instead, the front office pivoted toward other targets, only to see those options dry up one by one as free agency accelerated.
Now, in a new twist that adds salt to the wound, Finney-Smith was traded this week to the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal that insiders describe as “remarkably attainable” — and one in which the Pelicans gave up less than what the Nets had reportedly asked from L.A.
What the Pelicans Gave Up
The Pelicans sent Kira Lewis Jr., a 2026 second-round pick, and cash considerations to Brooklyn in exchange for Finney-Smith — a return viewed as modest at best for a player who still has two years left on his deal and is regarded as one of the league’s better 3-and-D role players.
Multiple analysts were quick to point out that the Lakers easily could have matched — and arguably exceeded — this offer with assets like Jalen Hood-Schifino or Max Christie and a future second-round pick. Instead, Los Angeles hesitated, and in doing so, lost a player who would have immediately bolstered their perimeter defense and fit well next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The Lakers sat on their hands while other teams acted,” one Western Conference executive told The Athletic. “That’s becoming a trend, and it’s worrying.”
Front Office Under Fire — Again
This latest offseason mishap adds to growing criticism of Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka and his decision-making in recent years. Despite fielding a playoff-caliber roster, the Lakers have consistently struggled to build sustainable depth around their aging superstars.
While the 2020 championship still holds weight, the years since have been filled with questionable trades (Russell Westbrook), risky contract extensions, and a failure to develop young talent. The Finney-Smith saga now joins a growing list of missed opportunities, including last summer’s failed pursuit of Bruce Brown and the more recent inability to retain key role players like Dennis Schröder and Malik Beasley.
Fans, meanwhile, are growing impatient. Social media erupted following the Finney-Smith news, with many Lakers faithful calling out the front office for letting yet another rotation-ready forward slip through their fingers.
LeBron’s Clock Keeps Ticking
Perhaps most damaging is the timing of the misstep. LeBron James, who recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, has made it clear he wants to contend — now. At 40 years old, James is still producing at an All-NBA level, but he’s also aware that his window is closing rapidly.
Sources close to James have indicated he’s been “monitoring the situation closely,” and while he remains committed to the team, there’s an increasing sense of urgency coming from his camp. The Finney-Smith blunder, though small on the surface, reflects a broader trend of inaction and risk aversion — two qualities that clash with LeBron’s win-now mentality.
Bigger Picture: Poor Asset Management
Analysts also argue that the Lakers’ refusal to part with mid-level assets for Finney-Smith reflects a deeper issue with asset management. Los Angeles has frequently overvalued its young players and future picks, opting to “wait for the perfect deal” instead of making smart, incremental improvements. That strategy has left the team thin on the wings and dangerously reliant on aging veterans.
Finney-Smith, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and hit the corner three, would have solved several of those issues. Instead, he’s now joining a Pelicans squad looking to make a leap in the West — potentially leapfrogging the Lakers in the standings.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers still have time to reshape their roster, but the free agent pool is drying up fast. Outside of potential trades, options are slim. There’s speculation they could re-engage in talks for Buddy Hield, or explore deals involving veteran forwards like Kyle Kuzma or even Harrison Barnes. But none of those options come without risk or higher price tags.
If the front office fails to make a move in the coming weeks, they risk entering the season with a roster largely unchanged — one that flamed out in the first round of the playoffs this spring.
Final Thoughts
The Dorian Finney-Smith saga is about more than just a missed trade. It’s emblematic of deeper organizational issues in L.A.: a reluctance to commit, a disconnect between management and its stars, and a growing gap between the Lakers and the league’s savviest front offices.
In the ultra-competitive Western Conference, marginal gains can mean the difference between championship contention and irrelevance. The Lakers, once known for bold moves and aggressive talent acquisition, now look like a team paralyzed by indecision — and it’s starting to show.
Unless something changes soon, this offseason misfire might be remembered as the moment the Lakers officially lost their edge.
—
Social caption:
🟣💛 Lakers fumble again? After Dorian Finney-Smith is traded to the Pelicans for a bargain price, LA’s front office looks even more lost this offseason. With LeBron’s clock ticking, is time running out in Hollywood? #LakeShow #NBAOffseason #LakersDrama.
Leave a Reply