New Laker Dorian Finney-Smith Opens Up on Playing Alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis

31 Dec 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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With the NBA regular season inching towards February’s trade deadline, teams are starting to make some significant moves. The Los Angeles Lakers made waves with a bold move, sending D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn on Sunday.

Before his trade to the Brooklyn Nets, D’Angelo Russell was enduring a tough season, averaging a career-low 12.4 points per game. Adding to his struggles, Lakers head coach JJ Redick had relegated him to the bench in November due to inconsistent shooting performances. It was clear Russell’s style wasn’t fitting the Lakers' needs. Enter Dorian Finney-Smith—a player who may not light up the scoreboard like Russell but fits the Lakers’ system like a glove. Finney-Smith is the ideal complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. What the Lakers needed wasn’t another ball-dominant guard but a versatile 3-and-D wing, and that’s exactly what Finney-Smith brings to the table.

The move has Lakers fans buzzing, and head coach JJ Redick is equally excited about his new addition. Speaking in a recent interview, Redick praised Finney-Smith’s impact, saying, “Dorian gives us another defender, and he’s someone who has guarded multiple positions throughout his career. He’s worked to become an elite spot-up, catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter. I know what they bring on the court, and I know what they bring in terms of culture and locker room fit. It’s going to be great for our group, both on and off the court.”

JJ Redick wasn’t the only person excited by this trade, the man himself, Dorian Finney-Smith, can’t wait to get started as a Laker. In a recent interview, the 31-year-old said, “Ah man, I can't wait! (I can) get back to shooting corner 3's. Over the last 2 years I've been shooting more above-the-break 3's, but I know 'Bron, he sling that ball to the corner. I already played with Luka - probably the best two guys at finding guys in that corner." He also talked about sharing the court with Anthony Davis, saying: "He draws so much attention - he's going to create closeouts and shots for guys like me. Offensive-rebound opportunities, because two people have to go box him out - we used to have to sandwich rebound, he was one of those guys. Now, with two people going to him, I get to come in freely and grab some offensive rebounds. Just try to play off him and give him confidence."

Dorian Finney-Smith joins the Lakers with solid contributions this season, averaging 10.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29 minutes per game for the Nets. Alongside him comes Shake Milton, a reliable backup point guard who’s been putting up 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 19 minutes of action. With these two additions, the Lakers look like a more balanced and dynamic team. Finney-Smith brings versatility and elite perimeter defense to a squad that already ranks fifth-best in the league in that department, while Milton adds depth and playmaking to the backcourt.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of their arrival is the boost to the Lakers’ three-point shooting—a critical need for a team built around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Finney-Smith’s ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes and Milton’s offensive spark off the bench could make all the difference as the Lakers push for a higher seed in the Western Conference.

Also Read: 5 of the Most Iconic LeBron James Moments as "The King" Turns 40