LOS ANGELES – Since acquiring Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade, the Los Angeles Lakers have seen their role players thrive thanks to the defensive attention the All-NBA superstar commands on a nightly basis. Among those benefiting from Dončić’s presence, Dorian Finney-Smith stands out as someone who knows his game better than anyone else on the roster.
Finney-Smith and Dončić were teammates with the Dallas Mavericks for approximately four and a half seasons before being reunited in Los Angeles this season. Given their extensive history together, Finney-Smith has firsthand knowledge of how Dončić’s playmaking disrupts opposing defenses.
Following the Lakers’ much-needed 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns—a win that snapped a four-game losing streak—Finney-Smith spoke about how Dončić’s ability to break down defenses creates opportunities for his teammates.
“When you’re playing with a guy like Luka who draws so much attention, one day I might get the threes, one day it might be Gabe [Vincent] who gets the wide-open threes,” Finney-Smith explained. “Today they didn’t really help much on the corner threes, so Jax [Jaxson Hayes] got a million lobs and drop-off passes. So you got to pick your poison when you’re playing with Luka.”
Dončić’s offensive gravity was on full display against Phoenix, particularly benefiting Jaxson Hayes, who capitalized on open looks near the rim. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Hayes finished the game with 19 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting from the field. Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent, making his return to the lineup after missing the Lakers’ previous game against the Denver Nuggets, made the most of his opportunities from beyond the arc, hitting three of his five three-point attempts.
Lakers’ Depth Emerging as a Strength
At the start of the 2024-25 season, the Lakers’ lack of depth was considered a major concern. However, as the season has progressed—especially since the acquisition of Dončić—the team’s supporting cast has stepped up in a significant way.
For months, even before Dončić’s arrival, nearly every player head coach JJ Redick has inserted into the rotation has made meaningful contributions. These efforts extend beyond just scoring—they include defensive intensity, hustle plays, setting screens, and doing the little things necessary to secure wins.
Following the victory against the Suns, Redick specifically praised the efforts of Finney-Smith and Jordan Goodwin, emphasizing their impact despite modest stat lines.
“Never judge a player based solely on his box score,” Redick stated. “Jordan Goodwin was incredible tonight, and two points, four fouls. He set the tone for us. They’re [Phoenix] an incredibly difficult team to guard. . .him and Doe [Dorian Finney-Smith] set the tone on Book [Devin Booker] and KD [Kevin Durant]. Those guys made tough shots, and we had to try something and make it hard for them, and those two guys set the tone.”
With the Lakers looking to build momentum in the second half of the season, the emergence of their role players alongside Dončić provides a promising outlook for their championship aspirations.
In a commanding performance on March 19, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 120-108 home victory over the Denver Nuggets, marking their ninth consecutive home win.
Luka Doncic led the charge with 31 points, notably scoring 21 in the first quarter. Austin Reaves contributed 22 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing his all-around skills.
The Lakers were without key players LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (knee), yet they managed to tie the Nuggets for third place in the Western Conference standings, each holding a 44-25 record. The team’s 46-point first quarter was their highest-scoring quarter of the season, setting the tone for the game.
Denver, missing stars Nikola Jokic (ankle/elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle), struggled to keep pace. Aaron Gordon led the Nuggets with 26 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers established an early lead, extending it to 69-41 by the midpoint of the second quarter, and maintained control throughout the game.
This victory highlights the Lakers’ depth and resilience, with players like Reaves stepping up in crucial moments. Reaves’ performance adds to his impressive season, where he has recorded multiple triple-doubles and career-high scoring games.
As the season progresses, the Lakers’ ability to perform under pressure and adapt to challenges positions them as strong contenders in the Western Conference.
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