Dorian Finney-Smith Could Make Rockets Debut Today

Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith could make his Rockets debut today when Houston faces the Lakers. He’s listed as questionable to play, according to Real GM.

Finney-Smith, 32, would be playing against his most recent team if he does suit up. He left the Lakers during the summer in free agency and signed a four-year, $53MM contract.

Noted for his defensive versatility, Finney-Smith was traded from Brooklyn to Los Angeles last December and appeared in 43 games for the Lakers in 2024/25, making 20 starts. He averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 28.8 minutes per game, posting a shooting line of .442/.398/.714.

He underwent left ankle surgery in June, weeks before signing his new deal. At that time, he was expected to be ready for training camp but that timeline proved optimistic. Finney-Smith missed a total of 20 games last season related to issues with the ankle, including eight with Los Angeles.

Starting power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging a career-high 34.5 minutes and Finney-Smith’s availability will likely cut into Smith’s playing time.