Lakers Acquire Finney-Smith: Russell Deal

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Post on Dec 30, 2024

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Lakers Acquire Finney-Smith: A Smart Move or a Missed Opportunity? The Russell Westbrook Trade Aftermath

The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this offseason with the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith from the Dallas Mavericks, a move intricately tied to the long-awaited departure of Russell Westbrook. While the trade itself involved multiple teams and players, the core exchange centers around Westbrook's arrival in Utah and Finney-Smith bolstering the Lakers' roster. But was this a shrewd move for Los Angeles, or a missed opportunity to truly reshape their championship aspirations?

The Trade Breakdown:

The multi-team trade saw the Lakers sending Russell Westbrook and other assets to the Utah Jazz, who subsequently moved Westbrook to the Los Angeles Clippers. In return, the Lakers received Dorian Finney-Smith and a future second-round draft pick from the Mavericks. This wasn't a blockbuster acquisition in the style of a superstar trade, but it represents a significant shift in the Lakers' strategic direction.

Finney-Smith's Impact on the Lakers:

Dorian Finney-Smith brings a much-needed element to the Lakers: 3-and-D versatility. He's a tenacious defender capable of guarding multiple positions, a crucial asset in today's NBA. His three-point shooting, while not elite, provides a respectable floor-spacing threat, something the Lakers have desperately lacked in recent seasons. Finney-Smith's defensive intensity and team-first mentality should also provide a positive impact on the locker room. He's a player who understands his role and embraces it wholeheartedly.

Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Lakers:

• Improved Defense: Finney-Smith is a significant upgrade defensively, addressing one of the Lakers' most glaring weaknesses. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt offensive flows will be invaluable.

• Floor Spacing: While not a prolific three-point shooter, Finney-Smith's presence will create more space for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate offensively.

• Roster Flexibility: Trading Westbrook frees up valuable salary cap space and opens up roster spots for potential future acquisitions or young talent development.

• Culture Fit: Finney-Smith's reputation as a hard-working, team-oriented player aligns well with the Lakers' desired culture.

Potential Drawbacks and Concerns:

• Offensive Limitations: Finney-Smith is not a high-volume scorer. His offensive contributions primarily stem from his three-point shooting and opportunistic drives.

• Dependence on LeBron and AD: The Lakers still heavily rely on the health and performance of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Finney-Smith's addition doesn't fully solve the team's depth issues.

The Westbrook Factor:

The Russell Westbrook era in Los Angeles was undeniably turbulent. While his athleticism and occasional bursts of brilliance were undeniable, his fit within the Lakers' system proved problematic. His departure allows the team to move forward with a more cohesive and potentially successful strategy. The trade itself isn't about Finney-Smith alone; it's about escaping the Westbrook contract and its accompanying limitations.

Conclusion:

The acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith is not a game-changing move for the Lakers, but it's a sensible and strategically sound addition. It addresses key weaknesses, improves roster flexibility, and sets a clearer path towards contention. The long-term success of this move will depend largely on the health and performance of James and Davis, as well as the overall cohesion of the revamped roster. However, it represents a step in the right direction for a franchise aiming to regain its championship pedigree. Whether it’s enough remains to be seen, but it is a move that signifies a change in direction and a focus on building a more balanced and sustainable team.