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Former Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has yet to play this season with the Houston Rockets. The 3-and-D star has been out since having left ankle surgery in June, leading to Los Angeles fans trolling the Rockets on social media on Saturday.
One Lakers fan on X replied to a Rockets fan who wondered where the seasoned wing has been since he left Los Angeles for Houston.
“Demon Rob tried to warn ya’ll that you were getting a lemon.”
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Other fans on X shared their opinions.
More fans on X tweeted:
He declined his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season on June 29 and entered free agency. Dorian Finney-Smith joined the Lakers via a trade from the Brooklyn Nets in December. The wing averaged 28.8 minutes per game for Los Angeles and shot 39.8% from 3-point range.
He signed a four-year, $52.7 million contract with Houston on July 7 and was tasked with replacing Dillon Brooks, who left the Rockets as part of the blockbuster Kevin Durant deal.
LA Lakers thrive in Dorian Finney-Smith’s absence
The LA Lakers have thrived this season, having started with a 10-4 record. The loss of Dorian Finney-Smith was meant to hurt the Purple and Gold as he made an instant impact with the team. According to PBP Stats, the Lakers was over 12 points better whenever he was on the court, as they outscored teams by nearly 11 points per 100 possessions during his minutes.
However, by letting him walk, they preserved their mid-level exception. This gave them more room to make other moves, with Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton signed as replacements.
Ayton has given them a center they needed since losing out on Mark Williams. He is averaging 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks, while shooting 69.2% from the field. LaRavia is showing versatility beyond his age with a standout 27-point performance in the close 116-115 road game win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 29.
While Los Angeles has shown flaws, especially in the 121-92 loss to Oklahoma City, their stars have turned up and are playing well even in the absence of LeBron James, who is making significant progress ahead of his season debut.
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