Meet Dorian Finney-Smith: From Virginia to the Lakers

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Dorian Finney-Smith is a rising NBA star. He recently joined the Los Angeles Lakers, after playing for the Brooklyn Nets. Before this, he spent several years with the Dallas Mavericks, where he made a name for himself as a reliable "3-and-D" player. In 2023, he was part of a major trade that brought him to the Nets and now to the Lakers. Dorian's journey began in Virginia, where he was born to American parents of African-American descent. His mom, Desiree, has been a significant influence on him, raising him and his five siblings alone. He credits her passion and fiery spirit for shaping his mentality. Dorian's dad has been absent for most of his life, serving a long prison sentence. Interestingly, Dorian took a unique path to the NBA. He stayed at a public high school, wanting to elevate his teammates alongside himself. He excelled at I. C. Norcom High School, averaging impressive stats and leading his team to state championships. After high school, he committed to Virginia Tech and later transferred to the University of Florida, where he continued to make a splash in college basketball. Dorian's college career was marked by awards and recognition, including SEC Sixth Man of the Year and multiple All-SEC honors. His time in college set him up for a successful NBA career, filling an important role in the Lakers' lineup.