Dorian Finney-Smith

What's Happening with Dorian Finney-Smith: Lakers Trade for 3-and-D Wing

The NBA landscape has shifted once again, with the Los Angeles Lakers making a significant move to bolster their roster. In a trade that sees D'Angelo Russell heading to the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers have acquired Dorian Finney-Smith, a move aimed at addressing their defensive needs and adding crucial three-point shooting. This article delves into the details of the trade, analyzing the official reports and exploring the potential impact of this transaction on both teams.

Official Coverage: Lakers Acquire Finney-Smith in Trade with Nets

The trade, which sent D'Angelo Russell from the Lakers to the Nets, was officially reported by multiple reputable sports outlets. According to Yahoo Sports, the Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. This move comes as Lakers coach JJ Redick was reportedly seeking better defensive options in the starting lineup, leading to Russell’s bench role. The Yahoo Sports report also notes the trade involved Shake Milton, adding depth to the Lakers’ roster.

CBS Sports further corroborated the trade, reporting that the Lakers sent D'Angelo Russell and second-round picks to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. CBS Sports highlighted that the acquisition of Finney-Smith is intended to provide the Lakers with the coveted "3-and-D wing" they have been actively seeking. Both reports confirm the core of the trade, involving Russell heading to Brooklyn and Finney-Smith joining the Lakers, with Milton as a secondary addition.

Background Context: Dorian Finney-Smith's NBA Journey

While the official reports focus on the trade itself, supplementary research provides additional context about Dorian Finney-Smith. According to his Wikipedia page, Finney-Smith is a 31-year-old American professional basketball player who, prior to joining the Nets, played for the Dallas Mavericks after going undrafted in 2016. He played college basketball at Virginia Tech and Florida, showcasing his athletic abilities and versatility early on.

Several sources highlight Finney-Smith’s recent performance and value. Newsweek reports that he is under contract for two seasons, with a salary of $14.9 million this season and a player option for $15.3 million next year. Furthermore, reports state that Finney-Smith is shooting a career-high 44% from 3-point range this season, making him a highly desirable asset for teams seeking a reliable perimeter threat. He is known for being a reliable three-point shooter and playing strong, versatile defense, fitting the exact profile of what the Lakers were looking for. This information, while not from the initial official reports, helps paint a fuller picture of Finney-Smith’s capabilities.

It's also worth noting, according to various reports, that the Nets have been actively shopping "win-now" assets, potentially to improve their 2025 NBA Draft prospects. This suggests that the trade was part of a larger strategy for the Nets, while the Lakers focused on immediate roster improvements.

Impact Analysis: Lakers Aim for Defensive Upgrade and Shooting Prowess

The trade for Dorian Finney-Smith signals a clear shift in the Lakers’ strategy. The official reports emphasize that the primary motivation behind the trade was to secure a "3-and-D wing" to enhance the team's defense and perimeter shooting. With D'Angelo Russell relegated to a bench role due to concerns about defensive contributions, Finney-Smith's arrival is expected to provide a significant boost in both areas.

Finney-Smith's reputation as a strong defender and his career-high 3-point shooting percentages, as noted in supplementary reports, make him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ system. His ability to guard multiple positions and consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc is crucial for a team looking to compete at the highest level. The Lakers have struggled with both defensive consistency and perimeter shooting, and Finney-Smith is expected to be a direct remedy for both issues.

The trade also indicates a willingness on the part of the Lakers to sacrifice some offensive playmaking from Russell for defensive stability and spacing. While Russell is a talented offensive player, his defensive limitations have been a concern. By acquiring Finney-Smith, the Lakers are betting that improved defense and shooting from the wing position will lead to a more cohesive and successful team.

Future Implications: Lakers Adjust to New Dynamic

The long-term implications of this trade are significant for both the Lakers and the Nets. For the Lakers, the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith represents a commitment to a specific style of play that prioritizes defense and three-point shooting. This move is not just a short-term fix but also a strategic alignment with the team's overall goals. Finney-Smith's contract, spanning two seasons, also provides the Lakers with stability and continuity.

The Lakers must now find the right offensive balance to fully take advantage of Finney-Smith's strengths, and figure out how to best utilize Shake Milton's skillset. The team will likely lean on their established stars to generate offense, while relying on Finney-Smith to provide spacing and defensive support, a strategy that was lacking with D'Angelo Russell.

For the Nets, the trade provides an opportunity to potentially improve their future draft prospects while acquiring a talented point guard in Russell. This move also gives them another established player in Shake Milton, who could be a valuable piece off the bench.

In conclusion, the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith is a pivotal move for the Los Angeles Lakers, signaling a clear shift in their strategy towards a more defense-oriented approach while adding crucial shooting from the wing position. The official reports and supplementary context make it clear that the Lakers are banking on Finney-Smith’s 3-and-D capabilities to elevate their team to championship contention. The long-term impact of this trade will be closely watched as the NBA season progresses.