It’s safe to say that Dorian Finney-Smith’s upbringing has been a tumultuous one. His career and work for the Lakers right now are a testament to his hard work, tenacity, and dedication. For most, it’s not easy growing up. But for Doe Doe, that childhood mentality going astray would’ve resulted in big losses for him and his family.
But his humility shows deep. He knows he wouldn’t be where he was without the support of his family, and he’s made that clear multiple times. From a childhood of separation and anxiety to a career in the majors, let’s take a look at Finney-Smith’s family, background, and personal life.
Who are Dorian Finney-Smith’s parents? What’s their background?
He was born on May 4th, 1993, to Desiree Finney-Henderson and Elbert “Big L” Smith Jr. in Portsmouth, Virginia. For most of his childhood, it was all plain plainsailing until it all went down the drain, almost instantly. His parents no longer live together. Desiree basically raised six children largely on her own, working multiple jobs, including cleaning houses, to support their needs. But the bigger concern is why this was the case.
Dorian Finney-Smith’s father, Elbert, served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Norfolk. He even got an honorable discharge in the early 1990s, which would’ve been perfect for his and Desiree’s plans of a big family. But January 25th, 1995, was the day his dreams of being “rich in my kids’ love” took a turn for the worse. He was convicted in 1996 of second-degree homicide and malicious wounding, serving nearly 29 years in captivity.
Feb 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The bad luck doesn’t end there, though. The state of Virginia abolished discretionary parole for felony offenders starting on Jan. 1, 1995, requiring them to serve at least 85% of their sentences. Yep, just when the fortunes couldn’t get any worse, his decision to reject the plea deal took a turn for the worse. And then came the separation, which lasted for over 28 years. Let’s dive into that a little bit more.
Who is Dorian Finney-Smith’s father, Elbert “Big L” Smith Jr.?
That captive time was tough, man. And it was so unexpected too. You can only imagine what it did to Big L’s pride, especially after being a sailor for his country. All of this happened when he was just 3 years old. “Visiting him early on, I was able to touch him,” he said. “When I was four or five, up to around eight. After that, it was always talking through the phone through the glass.”
Big L knew there was no point in being the nice guy—parole was out of the question. “I went in there without a possibility of parole,” he said. “So, really, it wasn’t no reason to follow the rules or be a respectful inmate.” Elbert struggled through solitary confinement and spent time in supermax confinements.
Dec 26, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) reacts during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
But then after decades apart, he reunited with Dorian Finney-Smith in April 2024 and celebrated his first Father’s Day outside captivity in nearly 30 years. A momentous occasion indeed. “I just want to sit around and take in the moment… “I just want to play with the grandkids and be like, ‘Wow, I’m here.’ I’ve only anticipated this for the past 28 years, right?” And now, he’s now focused on rebuilding relationships, working with the family foundation, and doting on his grandchildren. You can only imagine those 28 years and 9 months for Desiree as a single mother of 6.
Who is Dorian Finney-Smith’s mother, Desiree Finney-Henderson?
The Dallas Mavericks helping Desiree’s ex-husband come out of captivity probably caused her to take the biggest sigh of relief ever. All the sacrifices and the pain—they are a major influence on Dorian’s values and work ethic. She raised six children by herself in Portsmouth, often taking on low-wage work like house cleaning to fund Dorian’s basketball aspirations.
You can see how Dorian Finney-Smith’s credit to her was fully justified. “It starts for my mom… my mom been giving back with my family been giving back since growing up… we ain’t grew up with a lot but we still gave back what we had.”
Nov 19, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) warms up before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
And now it’s all sunshine and rainbows. She helped support Big L’s reintegration post-release, with the family welcoming him to a home in Chesapeake, VA-—a home bought by Finney-Smith himself. Their world is in a much better place and wouldn’t have been without Desiree’s sacrifices. Unfortunately for them, Big L’s absence wasn’t the only one felt at their Portland home.
Dorian Finney-Smith’s Siblings: How many brothers and sisters does he have?
As mentioned earlier, Doe-Doe’s just one in a family of 6. His siblings are Ra-Shawn “Peanut” Finney, Benjamin Finney-Smith, Dashawn Finney-Smith, Shakiyla Finney-Smith, and Monnazjea Finney-Smith. Not having a father around would automatically promote the oldest son onto the mantle. For the Finney-Smith family, that leader was Ra-Shawn, until it wasn’t.
Peanut was to be at the forefront of the family’s athletic aspirations. But when Dorian was just 15, he witnessed the homicide of Ra-Shawn, a high school football standout, shot seven times at a party after playing the best game of his career. That was the turning point. The canon event. This changed everything. Dad was always going to come back, but Ra-Shawn never will. And that memory only fueled him for more.
“I seen him at rock bottom, but that hurt didn’t hinder him. That hurt motivated him. It motivated them all. When his brother passed, he took on a totally different identity. It was like y’all not going to stop me for nothing,” Dorian Finney-Smith’s friend revealed during a Nets documentary highlighting his life.
Apr 1, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
As for the rest of his siblings, they brim with athletic talent too. While they didn’t really achieve the same levels as Dorian did or what Ra-Shawn could, their success brings Desiree the happiness she’s longed for her entire life. Ben Finney-Smith played college basketball at Old Dominion from 2007 to 2011, while Monnazjea played at Hampton University and is now an IT project manager. And last but not least, Shakiyla has three kids: Sha, Sha’riaha, and Kaleb. She shares regular updates on her Instagram
Who is Dorian Finney-Smith’s fiancée and how many kids does he have?
Becoming a father before hitting adulthood was big for Finney-Smith. He wasn’t ready for it but took the responsibility in full stride. “I was scared because I was young. I just wanted to be that provider and protector.” Dorian has three kids: Sinai, Dorian Jr. and Aysen. He shares them with JazMyne Branch.
Dorian Finney-Smith has often talked about the bond his fiancée shares with her family. That interconnectedness wasn’t as present in his childhood. But along with JazMyne and his three kids, that interconnectedness will last a lifetime. Sinai is particularly close to her grandfather Big L and enjoys playing basketball with her dad and “Pawpaw.”
This is the upbringing movies are made of. Dorian Finney-Smith’s life filled with pain, sacrifice, and unforeseen moments, has led him here—a valuable forward aiming to help the Lakers get back to the top spot. And despite all the hardships, it’s the idea of ‘family’ that’s fueled him to today.
The post Who Are Dorian Finney-Smith’s Parents, Desiree and Elbert? All About the Lakers Star’s Family, Background & More Details Revealed appeared first on EssentiallySports.