Dorian Finney-Smith knows exactly what he needs to do for Luka Doncic in the playoffs.
After an eventful regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers are now preparing for the 2025 NBA playoffs.
They will start their journey in the opening round against the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Even though the Lakers are the higher seed, the Timberwolves aren’t a bad team by any means.
In fact, the Lakers will need the likes of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves in their best forms to eliminate Minnesota.
Dorian Finney-Smith on Luka Doncic’s playoff mentality
Doncic is currently preparing for his first-ever postseason run as a member of the Purple and Gold and his fifth overall playoff trip.
Speaking of which, veteran Dorian Finney-Smith dropped a prediction about what the Laker Nation should expect from the Don in the postseason.
“Knowing him, you probaly got to calm him down too because he’s probably going to be barking. Everybody knows it and it’s going to be a sight,” DFS said.
Even before their LA Lakers stint, Finney-Smith has shared the court with Doncic with the Dallas Mavericks.
DFS is certain that Doncic will be extremely vocal in the playoffs, but it’s his job to keep him in check to avoid unnecessary technical fouls.
Doncic elevates his game in playoff
Last season, Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance since 2011, albeit losing against the Boston Celtics.
But it was enough to show fans what he’s capable of doing in the postseason. Now, Doncic arguably has a better supporting cast.
Despite that, some have expressed their doubts over Doncic’s capabilities in the playoffs. Udonis Haslem slammed Doncic for being a defensive liability.
This will only add more fuel to the fire and likely give Luka some extra motivation to lead the Lakers to their 18th NBA Championship in franchise history.
