The Los Angeles Lakers made waves with their recent trade acquisition of forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. The 31-year-old brings a wealth of playoff experience and a defensive tenacity that could be the missing ingredient in the Lakers’ championship recipe. With LeBron James leading the charge in his 20th NBA season, the addition of Finney-Smith signals that the Lakers are all-in on chasing another title.
A New Mindset in Los Angeles
Finney-Smith wasted no time immersing himself in the Lakers culture. After spending his first day with the team, the versatile forward noted a stark contrast between the struggling Nets and the contending Lakers:
“It’s fun, man. Just the opportunity to play for a championship. Not even just playoffs. In Brooklyn, we were just fighting to get in the playoffs. Here, we’re trying to win the championship. So it’s a different approach, different energy, all around.”
– Dorian Finney-Smith
The shift from a rebuilding Nets squad to a Lakers team with title aspirations is not lost on Finney-Smith. He understands the gravity of the opportunity before him and seems poised to make the most of it.
Defensive Prowess and Winning Pedigree
Finney-Smith established himself as a key role player during his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks. His defensive versatility and improved three-point shooting helped the Mavs reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022. Those skills should translate seamlessly to a Lakers team in need of perimeter stoppers and floor spacers around their superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who played with Finney-Smith in Dallas, spoke glowingly of his new addition:
“Dorian gives us another defender and he’s a guy that has guarded multiple positions throughout his career. He’s worked to become an elite spot-up, catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter. So, just excited to have him.”
– Coach JJ Redick
Redick also noted Finney-Smith’s positive locker room presence, highlighting the importance of team chemistry in any championship pursuit. With 35 playoff games under his belt, Finney-Smith brings a level of postseason poise that could prove invaluable for a Lakers squad eyeing a deep run.
An Immediate Impact
Despite his impressive résumé, Finney-Smith won’t be handed a starting role right away. Coach Redick emphasized the importance of continuity and indicated that the current starting five, featuring young gun Max Christie, has been clicking. However, Finney-Smith’s ability to seamlessly integrate into any lineup makes him a valuable asset off the bench.
The Lakers are hoping Finney-Smith’s arrival can provide a much-needed spark as they navigate a crowded Western Conference. With the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and defending champion Golden State Warriors all vying for supremacy, every advantage counts.
Chasing Greatness
For Finney-Smith, the chance to play alongside LeBron James is a dream come true. He made sure to introduce himself to the four-time MVP on James’ 40th birthday, noting the surreal nature of the moment:
“I told Bron today, this is probably the most I ever said something to him. I’ve been guarding him for nine years, but I’m just not too friendly on the court. So now I just have to pull that shade down and ask him, ‘Give me some of those shoes.’ I can finally ask for some of that gear. We never know when he’s going to hang it up.”
– Dorian Finney-Smith
Finney-Smith’s excitement is palpable, and his hunger for success could be the driving force that pushes the Lakers over the top. With James and Davis leading the charge, and a supporting cast bolstered by the additions of Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, the Lakers have the pieces in place to make a legitimate title run.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but Finney-Smith’s arrival brings a renewed sense of optimism to the Lakers faithful. If he can provide the defensive grit and outside shooting that made him a valuable contributor in Dallas and Brooklyn, the Lakers may just find themselves hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy come June.
Only time will tell if this trade is the catalyst for a championship, but one thing is certain: Dorian Finney-Smith is ready to embrace the challenge and leave his mark on one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.
