Dorian Finney-Smith’s familiarity with Luka Doncic predates their time together on the Los Angeles Lakers, having played alongside the superstar in Dallas. Before Monday’s 104-98 victory over the Houston Rockets, Finney-Smith shared a candid exchange with reporters via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, revealing Doncic’s encouragement.
Los Angeles Lakers Expressing Confidence In Dorian Finney-Smith
“I just told him today if he doesn’t want to shoot it, I’ll shoot it,” Doncic said. His response? “It feels good when guys like him and Bron are telling me to shoot. Because it could be the other way around … s**t.” This exchange highlights the trust that Doncic and LeBron James place in their teammates, recognizing the importance of contributions from players like Finney-Smith.
Head coach JJ Redick echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Finney-Smith’s importance to the team. As detailed by Khobi Price of the Orange County Register, Redick stressed the need for Finney-Smith to consistently exhibit confidence.
“He should’ve shot 14 [3-pointers],” Redick quipped. “His teammates have a ton of confidence in him. We as a coaching staff have a ton of confidence. He needs gentle reminders sometimes to keep shooting. And particularly, the type of shots that he gets, whether that’s a corner 3 or a pick-and-pop versus a five, they’re open shots. We’re not going to get a better shot. He has to be willing to unload the clip every night.”
Their shared history fosters an expectation from Doncic towards Finney-Smith. However, playing alongside two potential Hall of Famers can create a sense of pressure. The fact that Doncic and James actively encourage their teammates to take open shots underscores their commitment to team balance.
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As the Lakers strive to solidify their playoff form, establishing depth and balance is crucial. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, known for their versatile scoring threats, exemplify this strategy. Monday’s game provided a glimpse of the Lakers’ bench potential with Gabe Vincent’s 20-point performance and Finney-Smith’s contributions.
Doncic’s encouragement ignited a spark in Finney-Smith, contributing to his best game as a Laker. This highlights the importance of fostering confidence within the team, especially as they approach the postseason.