Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith are picking up right where they left off, despite new teams and a fresh start with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Finney-Smith, who was traded to the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets on December 29, shared a post on January 4 featuring pictures of himself in action wearing No. 17. Doncic, then with the Dallas Mavericks, commented playfully, “Why didn’t you get 77?”
No. 77 is Doncic’s signature number. When Finney-Smith posted a photo holding his No. 77 Lakers jersey during his introductory press conference on Monday, he jokingly referenced the earlier comment.
The Lakers made headlines last Sunday with a major trade to acquire Doncic. The deal sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick to the Mavericks. The Utah Jazz also played a role in the trade, receiving Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Finney-Smith spent over six seasons with Dallas, including four and a half years alongside Doncic. He was part of the trade that brought Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks in February 2023.
During an October 2023 matchup between the two, Doncic expressed how much he missed playing with Finney-Smith and promised they would play together again. That reunion is happening sooner than expected.
When asked about his excitement level for reuniting with Finney-Smith, Doncic rated it a “10.”
“That’s my guy, man. That’s my guy,” Doncic said with a smile. “We basically started playing basketball together in Dallas. We grew up as players together. So, I’m really excited.”
Finney-Smith has averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14 games with the Lakers. Sources told ESPN that Doncic is expected to make his debut for the Lakers on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers.
