Lakers Opt For Versatility, Cap Flexibility In Deal For Dorian Finney-Smith

December 29, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just outbid the Memphis Grizzlies for Dorian Finney-Smith — they also threw a curveball at NBA observers who expected the Lakers to chase after a different veteran pair, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

In recent days, many around the league expected the Lakers to target Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas and Malcolm Brogdon, two experienced players who could provide valuable depth.

However, the Lakers surprised many by opting for Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, both of whom offer a different kind of impact.

While Finney-Smith doesn’t bring the bulk and physicality of a player like Valančiūnas, he is a highly regarded multi-positional defender who is shooting a career-high 43.5% from beyond the arc this season.

His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his improved outside shooting, gives the Lakers a versatile option on both sides of the floor.

“I like the combo of Finney-Smith and Milton better for the Lakers than the two Washington guys,” one longtime NBA personnel evaluator told Stein, emphasizing the fit for the Lakers’ needs in a way that Valančiūnas and Brogdon couldn’t provide.

Another key factor in the Lakers’ decision was financial flexibility. Finney-Smith and Milton combined to make less than $18 million this season, a far more affordable option compared to the nearly $33 million that Valančiūnas and Brogdon would have cost.

As Stein pointed out, this move not only bolsters the Lakers’ roster but also frees up more than $3 million, pushing the team further away from the luxury tax apron they had been so close to. This maneuver gives the Lakers greater flexibility as they continue to navigate their financial commitments while strengthening their roster.

Basically, the Lakers’ strategy with this trade reflects a more efficient and cost-effective approach to bolstering their depth, and it’s a move that could pay off as the season progresses.