The perfect Lakers trade offer for Dorian Finney-Smith
The Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to keep their heads above water lately. Recently, they lost by forty points to the Miami Heat, and their previous four losses came by an average of 22 points.
Over that span of games, we’ve also seen the first signs of father time catching up to LeBron James. His struggles aren’t the only issue, however.
Additionally, the team is still brutally injured, missing three legitimate rotational pieces. Mix all those problems together, and the answer becomes clear: a trade must be made.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who is an intriguing figure in which the Lakers are interested. According to Anthony Irwin with Clutch Points, the Lakers “checked in on Dorian Finney-Smith” last season and have been in “constant contact” with the Nets about him this season.
Dorian Finney-Smith makes so much sense it’s ridiculous. 6’7 220 pound wing defender that’s knocking down 42.5% from 3 this season.
41.7% from 3 in the playoffs for his career.
Go get this dude Rob.pic.twitter.com/JYnxogPyoc
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) November 21, 2024
Who is Dorian Finney-Smith?
The 6’7 forward, Finney-Smith, or DFS, is in his 9th season in the NBA. Finney-Smith spent the first six and a half years of his career in Dallas, averaging 8/5/1 and shooting 36% from three.
Those are good numbers from a role player who has only gotten better. In his 3rd season in Brooklyn, Dorian Finey-Smith is currently averaging 11/4/2 and is shooting 42% from three. Those are numbers that could help the Lakers.
Defensively, he’s an asset on the court as well. Finney Smith can guard multiple positions, making him a valuable switchable 3&D defender.
Shooting has been hot and cold but Dorian Finney-Smith continues to play solid defense to open the season.
Locks up Tatum in isolation here. pic.twitter.com/fRqbZQXS1K
— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) November 9, 2024
The Perfect Trade
Lakers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith and Noah Clowney
Nets Receive: D’Angelo Russell and (2) 2nd-round picks
This trade would help the Lakers in multiple ways. For one, the Lakers would be able to pick up another long 3 & D wing, which is incredibly valuable in today’s NBA. Additionally, Finney-Smith makes $4 million less than Russell. In this case, the Lakers would have some extra change to use in the buyout market.
In this trade, the Lakers would have to waive a player as they’re taking in two players.
The Fit
The Lakers bench unit has struggled to keep up with other teams. Against the Atlanta Hawks, the bench scored a measly 17 points to Atlanta’s 65. The bench unit could use another talented player.
Finney-Smith’s ability to guard multiple positions and hit threes is what the team needs. Imagine him producing similar numbers to Rui Hachimura without the rebounding.
His switchability would take some of the enormous weight off AD’s shoulders defensively, and his floor spacing would allow LeBron and Anthony Davis to continue dominating in space.
To only give up Russell and two second-round picks? Sign me up every day and twice on Sundays.
