In a move to bolster their roster, the Lakers parted with three second-round draft picks to acquire wing Dorian Finney-Smith and point guard Shake Milton, along with the expiring $18.7MM contract of backup guard D’Angelo Russell and second-year forward Maxwell Lewis.
This trade reflects the team’s strategy to strengthen its depth for a championship push. Zach Harper of The Athletic praised the deal as a wise one for Lakers team president Rob Pelinka, highlighting the potential for immediate impact.
Harper projects that Finney-Smith, a 6’7″ forward known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting ability, will slot directly into the starting lineup.
His addition is expected to provide the Lakers with much-needed defensive length on the perimeter, while also improving their shooting efficiency from beyond the arc.
With this adjustment, Max Christie, who had been starting, will likely be moved back to a bench role.
Despite the positive outlook for Finney-Smith’s role, Harper expressed more caution regarding Milton’s impact, suggesting that he may struggle to secure a spot in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation, particularly with reserve point guard Gabe Vincent already ahead of him in the pecking order.
Lakers Notes: James, Christie, Finney-Smith, Trade Assets https://t.co/zUGdxeHd41 pic.twitter.com/YjDCoX8lJp
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 30, 2024
