Los Angeles Lakers newcomer Dorian Finney-Smith is just four games into his playing tenure under former teammate-now-head coach JJ Redick. While it’s only a tiny sample size, Finney-Smith has reportedly already made a significant impression with his coach. This development could have him move from the bench to the starting lineup. The question is, just whose spot would he be taking?
Lakers Trade Addition On Track to Steal A Starting Position
Lakers’ Dorian Finney-Smith Is Playing His Way Into Rui Hachimura’s Starting Role
It’s safe to say that alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves has concretely solidified his starting role in LA’s lineup. Reaves has ignited this season, and he doesn’t appear to be in the market to let his recent tear simmer. That leaves Rui Hachimura and Max Christie, who has also played exceptionally well since he was inserted in the starting lineup. Hachimura, if speculation turns into anything accurate, would be the odd man out. In turn, the new man in would be Finney-Smith.
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, Finney-Smith’s work has been so impressive that he could replace Rui soon in the starting five. Hachimura has been up and down this season despite a hot shooting start at the beginning. That said, he is heavily rumored to be on the Lakers no-trade list. The organization sees Rui as a long-term piece to their roster in the future. Unfortunately, that could mean he plays his role as part of the team’s second unit this season, at least. Finney-Smith has outplayed his teammate since coming to Los Angeles, and his defensive capabilities greatly outweigh Hachimura’s.
Finney-Smith’s 3-&-D wing abilities were why LA traded for him. Inserting those abilities into the starting lineup could benefit the Lakers on both ends of the floor. Perimeter defense and three-point shooting were two of the Lakers’ greatest team-wide deficiencies. Finney-Smith has, and will continue to, help plug the hole there. If Buha’s speculation turns out to be a reality, it would be a major boost to the Lakers moving forward.
One More Move?
Coming over with Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets was Shake Milton in a surprise, early move from Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. However, even with the moves he’s already made, the Lakers still have flaws—flaws likely to be addressed by Pelinka in another move in the coming weeks.
LA still has to upgrade their paint presence behind AD. With Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood still on ice but closer to returning, the question is: how long will the Lakers hold out before making a move for a big man? It would likely mean giving up either Vanderbilt, Wood, or Jaxson Hayes. Apparently, Pelinka is in a wait-and-see mode with the former two players, only to see what they can give once they’re back on the floor. However, that may be too late—the trade deadline is looming quickly.
Regardless, the Lakers are making it a point to be competitive this season. While they’ve improved over the last week, there is more to do.
