Dorian Finney-Smith

What's Happening with Dorian Finney-Smith: A Deep Dive into the Lakers-Nets Trade

Introduction

The NBA trade deadline has once again delivered a shake-up, this time seeing the Los Angeles Lakers acquire veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. This move, which sends D’Angelo Russell packing to Brooklyn, has generated significant buzz in the basketball world. This article will delve into the official reports surrounding the trade, provide background context on Finney-Smith, and analyze the potential impact of this deal on both the Lakers and the Nets. While the exact "why" behind the trade isn't explicitly stated, the official reports and supplementary research offer a clearer picture of the motivations driving this significant roster change.

Official Coverage: The Lakers-Nets Trade Breakdown

The core of this story revolves around the trade agreement between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. According to verified news reports from reputable outlets, the following key details are confirmed:

1. The Trade:

• The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets.
• In exchange, the Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to the Nets.
• The trade also included Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks being sent to the Nets by the Lakers.

2. Motivations (From News Reports):

• Lakers' Desire for Defense: The Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers made the trade in part due to coach JJ Redick seeking better defensive play in the lineup. This suggests a shift in the team's strategy, prioritising defensive capabilities over offensive firepower.
• Russell's Bench Role: Yahoo Sports highlights that D'Angelo Russell had recently been moved to a bench role, further indicating that he was no longer seen as a core starter for the Lakers. This provides context for why the Lakers were amenable to trading him.

3. Key Sources:

• Yahoo Sports: "Lakers trade D'Angelo Russell to Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith …"
• Los Angeles Times: "Lakers acquire Dorian Finney-Smith by trading D'Angelo Russell to the Nets"

These verified news sources provide the foundation for understanding the trade. The Lakers, seemingly dissatisfied with their current defensive structure and with Russell's role diminished, targeted Finney-Smith, a player known for his defensive prowess. The Nets, on the other hand, received a point guard in Russell, along with draft capital, possibly signalling a shift in their roster strategy.

Background Context: Who is Dorian Finney-Smith?

While the official reports detail the trade, it's important to understand who Dorian Finney-Smith is, beyond just a name in a transaction. Here's what supplementary research, primarily from Wikipedia and other outlets, suggests:

• Professional Background: Dorian Finney-Smith is a 31-year-old American professional basketball player who entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He has spent time with the Dallas Mavericks before joining the Brooklyn Nets.
• Playing Style: He's known for being a reliable three-point shooter and a strong, versatile defender. These characteristics align with the Lakers' reported need for defensive improvement.
• Season Performance: Before the trade, Finney-Smith had played in 20 games this season, averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He's also reportedly shooting a career-high 44% from three-point range this season.
• Contract Situation: Finney-Smith is under contract for the current season at $14.9 million and has a player option for $15.3 million next year. This financial commitment further underscores the Lakers' belief in his value.

Important Note: While these supplementary details are helpful, they are not verified by the initial news reports and should be treated as background information.

Impact Analysis: What the Trade Means for the Lakers

Based on the verified news and supplemental context, the impact of this trade on the Los Angeles Lakers can be analyzed:

• Defensive Upgrade: The most immediate impact will likely be an improvement in the Lakers' defense. Finney-Smith's reputation as a versatile and strong defender directly addresses the concerns raised by coach JJ Redick, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
• Three-Point Shooting: Finney-Smith's career-high 44% three-point shooting percentage adds a valuable offensive dimension to the Lakers, providing much-needed spacing on the floor.
• Roster Reconfiguration: The trade reflects a clear strategic shift by the Lakers, prioritizing defensive contributions and a different roster composition. It shows a willingness to move on from players who aren't a perfect fit for their current needs.
• Potential Lineup Changes: Finney-Smith's addition to the roster will likely lead to shifts in the starting lineup and rotation. This could lead to more playing time for him and different pairings of players on the court.

The Lakers are clearly aiming to bolster their defensive capabilities and are banking on Finney-Smith's ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. The trade indicates a deliberate effort to address weaknesses and improve their chances of competing in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Impact Analysis: What the Trade Means for the Nets

The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, have made a move that might be perceived differently based on their strategy:

• Offensive Boost: While Finney-Smith was a valuable defender for the Nets, D'Angelo Russell provides an offensive boost and playmaking ability. This could indicate that they are looking to increase their offensive efficiency.
• Future Assets: Acquiring three second-round picks in this trade provides the Nets with future flexibility for trades, or to build their team through the draft.
• Potential Rebuild: The trade could also signal the Nets are more focused on a long-term strategy. It's reported that the Nets have been shopping win-now assets in hopes of garnering better 2025 NBA Draft odds.
• Salary Cap Considerations: While not explicitly stated in the initial reports, trading Finney-Smith's salary might provide the Nets with more room for future roster moves.

The Nets have gained offensive firepower and potential future assets in this trade. It is not yet clear what the overall strategic direction is for Brooklyn, but this trade is a clear indication that they are making moves with an eye on the future.

Future Implications: Long-Term Impact and What's Next

While the immediate impacts are clear, the long-term implications of this trade remain to be seen. Here's what we can anticipate, based on the verified information:

• Lakers' Playoff Push: The Lakers' success will depend on how well Finney-Smith integrates into the team and whether his defensive presence is enough to address their issues. They are clearly making moves with an eye on the playoffs.
• Nets' Future Direction: The Nets' future will depend on how well Russell fits into their system, and how well they use their newly acquired draft picks. They are in a position to build their team through the draft.
• Potential for Further Trades: Both teams might continue to make moves before the trade deadline, depending on the results of this trade and their respective goals. The NBA landscape is constantly evolving, and this trade is likely to spur further activity.

The Lakers-Nets trade has sent ripples through the NBA, and its long-term impact will likely unfold over the coming months. The Lakers are clearly aiming to improve their defensive capabilities in the short term, while the Nets are potentially building for the future with the assets they acquired in this trade. The league is likely to be watching closely to see how these new-look rosters perform as the NBA season progresses.