Los Angeles Lakers Star Player Among Passengers on American Airlines Flight Forced to Evacuate After Emergency Landing: ‘I Thought I Was Done
A terrifying scene unfolded Thursday evening at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines flight carrying 178 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing, with reports indicating the plane caught fire shortly after touchdown. Among those on board was Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who found himself in a life-threatening situation. The 27-year-old player, known for his defensive prowess and versatility on the court, shared the harrowing details of the ordeal, describing how he feared for his life as the crisis escalated.
As the plane made its emergency landing, smoke quickly filled the cabin, and panic began to set in. Passengers, including Finney-Smith, were instructed to evacuate, with many climbing out onto the wing to escape the growing flames. Thankfully, Finney-Smith and the other passengers were able to exit safely, though the event left him shaken and deeply grateful for a second chance.
In his first public comments following the incident, Finney-Smith reflected on the frightening experience and how he never imagined finding himself in such a dangerous situation. “It was honestly one of the scariest moments of my life,” he said. “I’ve faced tough situations on the court, but nothing like this. You hear about things like this happening to others, but you never think it’ll happen to you. In the moment, I thought I was done.”
The flight, a Boeing 737, was traveling to Denver from another city when it encountered a mechanical issue that forced the emergency landing. Upon touchdown, smoke quickly began to fill the cabin, and flight attendants immediately took action to ensure the safety of all passengers. Finney-Smith praised the crew for their professionalism in keeping everyone as calm as possible.
“The flight attendants were amazing,” Finney-Smith recalled. “They stayed composed, and that helped everyone else stay calm. But when we had to evacuate, that’s when it really hit. The smoke was thick, and the flames were getting closer. I just remember thinking, ‘Get out as fast as you can.’”
As the situation worsened, passengers, including Finney-Smith, were forced to evacuate quickly. The intense heat and smoke made the exit difficult, with many of them, including Finney-Smith, climbing out onto the wing of the plane to escape the spreading fire. “It was chaos, but everyone was focused on getting to safety,” he said. “I didn’t have time to think about anything else. I just knew I had to get out.”
Fortunately, emergency response teams at the airport were able to contain the fire, and there were no serious injuries. A few passengers, including Finney-Smith, received medical attention for minor smoke inhalation, but all 178 passengers were safely evacuated. The plane was later secured by fire crews, and the flight was ultimately deemed a success due to the swift actions of the crew and passengers.
For Finney-Smith, the experience has provided a new perspective on life. “When something like this happens, it really makes you stop and think about what’s truly important,” he said. “Basketball is my passion, but life comes first. I’m so grateful to be here. I’m just thankful to be alive and to have the chance to keep doing what I love.”
Finney-Smith, who has become a key player for the Lakers, was preparing for a critical season with the team. Known for his defensive skills and ability to contribute across multiple positions, Finney-Smith had big plans for his role in Los Angeles’ pursuit of a championship. However, after surviving the terrifying ordeal, his focus has shifted to gratitude and a new perspective.
“I’ll be ready when the season starts, but right now, I’m just focused on taking it one day at a time,” Finney-Smith said. “This experience made me realize how fragile life is. I’m just trying to appreciate every moment. Basketball will always be there, but life—that’s what really matters.”
The Lakers organization and Finney-Smith’s teammates have rallied around him following the incident, offering their full support as he processes the experience. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham expressed relief that Finney-Smith and the other passengers were unharmed. “Dorian is a tremendous player, but more importantly, he’s an outstanding person. We’re grateful he’s safe, and we’ll do everything we can to support him as he moves forward from this traumatic event.”
As Finney-Smith reflects on the frightening ordeal, it’s clear that this incident has profoundly impacted his outlook on both life and his career. While he remains committed to the Lakers and the upcoming season, the experience has given him a renewed sense of perspective. This brush with death has taught him to cherish the small moments, both on and off the court.