US media: Finney has a close relationship with Doncic, but he wants to go home; the Lakers negotiation method will also have an impact

August 1: US media Clutchpoints wrote an article today about Dorian Finney Smith.

Clutchpoints wrote: "According to sources close to the Lakers, they originally wanted to keep Finney Smith, who had a huge impact on and off the court and had a close relationship with Doncic. However, sources said he has always been inclined to return to Texas, and the way the Lakers handled the negotiations also affected his decision. The real situation may be in between."

Fenney Smith had played in Dallas for seven seasons and his home was there, so this return to Texas is a familiar environment for him and closer to his family. On June 30, he refused to execute the 2025-26 season's $15.4 million player option and became a full free agent. After the free market opened, Finney Smith joined the Rockets for 53 million in four years.