As Christmas approaches, the Houston Rockets are still waiting on a key piece of their offseason puzzle to make his debut. Dorian Finney-Smith, the veteran forward they aggressively pursued in free agency, has yet to log a single minute in a Rockets uniform this regular season. And with the highly anticipated Christmas Day showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers on deck, it looks like Houston will be without him once again.
The Rockets coaching staff has provided some encouraging updates in recent weeks. According to their head coach, Finney-Smith is “starting to ramp it up a little bit” in his recovery.
That’s a good sign, but there’s still no firm return date. The current expectation is sometime in January, assuming his progress continues without setbacks.
So while the Rockets and Lakers face off on the holiday stage, one of the most intriguing subplots - Finney-Smith facing his former team - will have to wait.
Houston’s Big Swing Still Waiting to Connect
Back in July, Houston made waves by signing Finney-Smith to a four-year, $52.7 million deal - a move that felt like a calculated steal. They didn’t just bring in a versatile, playoff-tested wing; they took him directly from a Western Conference rival. It was a statement move, the kind that signaled Houston was serious about climbing the standings.
But nearly halfway through the season, the Rockets are still waiting to see a return on that investment. Finney-Smith’s absence has left a noticeable gap in Houston’s rotation, especially on the defensive end, where his switchability and perimeter toughness were expected to make an immediate impact.
What the Lakers Lost - and Why It Might Not Matter
From the Lakers’ perspective, letting Finney-Smith walk was a controversial decision at the time. L.A. had given up assets to bring him in, and he delivered on both ends of the floor. He wasn’t a headline-grabber in the box score - averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and just under a steal per game - but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
Finney-Smith shot a strong 44.2% from the field and an impressive 39.8% from three, spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. After the All-Star break, he was second on the team in plus/minus (+147), trailing only Luka Dončić. That’s not a fluke - that’s the sign of a player who consistently makes winning plays.
Still, the Lakers moved on. And so far, the pivot has worked.
The return package of Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart has brought depth, versatility, and a new identity to the roster. While Finney-Smith was a valuable piece, the Lakers’ new-look lineup hasn’t missed a beat - and in some areas, it’s even improved.
What’s Next for Finney-Smith?
At 32 years old, Finney-Smith is at a critical juncture in his career. Recovering from a significant injury at this stage isn’t easy, and there’s always uncertainty about how a player’s body will respond - especially one who relies so heavily on defensive instincts, lateral quickness, and energy.
But the Rockets didn’t sign Finney-Smith for December. They signed him for April, May, and - if all goes according to plan - June.
His value comes alive in the postseason, when matchups tighten, possessions slow down, and every stop matters. If he can return to form, Houston’s early patience could pay off in a big way.
For now, though, it’s a waiting game. The Rockets are hoping their Christmas lump of coal turns into a gift come January. And while the Lakers won’t see their former forward on the court this week, they’ll be keeping an eye on how the move plays out down the line - just like the rest of us.