The NBA trade deadline is basically a holiday for Lakers fans, and this year, the name Dorian Finney-Smith is everywhere. Again. It feels like we’ve been here before, right? That’s because we have. After a brief stint in Los Angeles following a trade from Brooklyn in late 2024, "DFS" ended up signing a four-year, $52.7 million deal with the Houston Rockets in July 2025. Now, with the 2026 deadline looming on February 5th, the Dorian Finney Smith Lakers connection has reignited.
Why? Because the Lakers are currently 23-12 and sitting 5th in a brutal Western Conference, but their defense is ranked a dismal 23rd. You can’t win a ring with a bottom-tier defense, even if you have Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the floor together.
The Current Situation in Houston
Honestly, Finney-Smith’s time in Houston hasn't been a fairytale. He’s 32 now. He’s coming off left ankle surgery from the last offseason and hasn't really found his rhythm. In his first few games back this December, he was shooting a rough 25.8% from the floor. That’s not the "3-and-D" sniper the Lakers remember.
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But scouts know what he is. He’s a 6’7” wing with a 7-foot wingspan who doesn't need the ball to be effective. In a lineup featuring Luka and LeBron, that’s the gold standard. The Rockets are reportedly listening to offers on him, Clint Capela, and Tari Eason. They aren't "aggressively" shopping him, but for a team looking to pivot toward their younger core like Cam Whitmore, moving a veteran like DFS makes a lot of sense.
Why the Dorian Finney Smith Lakers Rumors Won't Die
The Lakers are desperate for "point of attack" defenders. Right now, they’re getting torched on the perimeter. Jarred Vanderbilt is a fan favorite, but his offensive limitations and injury history make him a tough sell as a high-minute starter in the playoffs. Gabe Vincent has also struggled to regain his Miami Heat form, often looking like a shell of himself on the court.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is reportedly looking to package Vanderbilt and Vincent to find a wing who can actually hit a corner three. Finney-Smith fits that mold perfectly. Even in a "down" year, his career 36% shooting from deep and his ability to switch 1-through-4 is exactly what JJ Redick needs for this defensive scheme.
The Financial Chess Match
Let’s talk money. Finney-Smith is on a descending-ish contract that pays him $12.7 million this season. That is incredibly tradable.
If the Lakers want him, they have to match that salary. A combination of Vanderbilt and a second-round pick might get the conversation started, but Houston might want more. The Lakers have been stingy with their 2031 first-round pick, but they’ve shown interest in "tiering down" that pick—trading one high-value future first for multiple lesser first-rounders to use as ammunition.
- Trade Target A: Dorian Finney-Smith (The "Safe" Bet)
- Trade Target B: Herb Jones (The "Pipe Dream")
- Trade Target C: Keon Ellis (The "Value" Play)
Herb Jones is the name everyone wants, but the Pelicans are asking for two unprotected firsts. That’s a steep price. Keon Ellis from Sacramento is an interesting expiring option, but he doesn't bring the veteran postseason experience that DFS has from his Dallas and Brooklyn days.
What Most People Get Wrong About DFS
There’s a misconception that Finney-Smith is just a "shooter." He’s not. He’s a connector.
If you watch the tape from his 2024 run with the Lakers, his value wasn't just in the box score. It was the "K-Pop" rotations—moving early, boxing out centers, and making the extra pass. His on-off numbers usually paint a much better picture than his raw PPG. For a Lakers team that ranks near the bottom in bench scoring and defensive efficiency, having a "pro's pro" like DFS in the locker room is worth more than a 20-year-old project.
The Luka Doncic Factor
We can’t talk about Dorian Finney Smith Lakers rumors without mentioning Luka. They are extremely close from their years together in Dallas. When the Lakers acquired Luka last year in that blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Mavs, the chemistry was an immediate concern. Bringing back one of Luka’s favorite teammates—a guy who knows exactly where to stand when Luka gets doubled—is a strategic move to keep your superstar happy.
It’s not just about the stats. It’s about comfort. Luka trusts Dorian. In the high-pressure environment of a Lakers playoff run, that trust is a massive shortcut to winning basketball.
Potential Trade Roadblocks
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Houston doesn't have to trade him. They are sitting on a pile of assets and could easily keep him as a mentor for their young wings.
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Plus, the Lakers aren't the only ones calling. The Clippers, after a hot streak of 11 wins in 13 games, are looking to buy. They need size. The Cavaliers have also sniffed around DFS as a depth piece for their frontcourt. If a bidding war starts, Pelinka might pivot to someone like Haywood Highsmith (if he’s healthy) or even a reclamation project like Jonathan Kuminga, who recently requested a trade from Golden State.
Actionable Insights for the Trade Deadline
If you're tracking this move, keep an eye on these specific triggers over the next two weeks:
- Vanderbilt's Minutes: If the Lakers start slashing Jarred Vanderbilt's minutes, it’s a sign they are showcases him for a move or have moved on mentally.
- The "3rd Team" Emergence: Watch for a team like the Wizards or Jazz to jump in. The Lakers often need a third team to take on salary like Gabe Vincent’s $11 million.
- Houston’s Rotation: If Cam Whitmore starts getting 25+ minutes a night, Finney-Smith becomes expendable immediately.
The reality is that the Lakers' window with LeBron is closing fast. They can't afford to "wait and see" if their current defense improves. Getting a guy like Dorian Finney-Smith back in purple and gold isn't just a nostalgia trip—it's a tactical necessity for a team that wants to be playing in June.
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Monitor the injury reports for the Rockets' upcoming games. If DFS sits out with "general soreness" near the end of January, get your jersey ready. Pelinka usually moves quietly, but the noise around this specific reunion is getting too loud to ignore.