The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a significant step toward returning to the ranks of the contenders. With a trade for 3-and-D specialist Dorian Finney-Smith and veteran guard Shake Milton, Los Angeles has committed to a deeper and more balanced approach to winning.
The jury is out on how Milton fits in the rotation, but Finney-Smith has been brought in to play a potentially invaluable role in the rotation.
Finney-Smith is a nine-year veteran who has far exceeded expectations as a former undrafted free agent. He spent the better part of seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022-23.
At both stops, Finney-Smith earned rave reviews for both the skill set he provides and the intangibles he brings to the table.
The specifics of what Finney-Smith offers, however, remain somewhat enigmatic. He played most of the past three seasons on a team that lacked legitimate postseason ambitions and has thus flown under the radar.
Finney-Smith is a versatile player who brings a bit of everything to the table, but his three greatest strengths explain the exact manner in which he'll help the Lakers.
3. Offensive Rebounding
Prior to the start of the 2024-25 regular season, head coach JJ Redick outlined the role he wanted Rui Hachimura to play. The description of his responsibilities included playing with an increased level of intensity on defense, spacing the floor, and crashing the offensive glass.
Hachimura has thrived in the role in 2024-25, but the need for multiple role players to contribute in that capacity remains—and Finney-Smith checks each box.
Considering the versatile nature of his role as a modern forward, Finney-Smith does an impressive job on the offensive glass. He boasts a career average of 1.5 offensive rebounds in 27.9 minutes per game, which translates to 2.0 per 36 minutes.
Finney-Smith is on that same track in 2024-25, averaging 1.6 offensive rebounds per game and 1.9 per 36 minutes.
For Los Angeles, adding another player who can create second chances could prove invaluable. The Lakers currently rank No. 22 in second-chance points and No. 27 in offensive rebounds per game, with Anthony Davis and Hachimura operating as the only qualified players averaging more than 1.0 offensive board per contest.
With a new player who can create second chances, the Lakers' offense should improve from the simple perspective of consistently having at least one player on the court who's a threat on the offensive glass.
2. Three-Point Shooting
When Redick took over as head coach, most were optimistic about what it would mean for the Lakers' three-point shooting. The team ranked No. 8 in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage in 2023-24, but still finished 24th in three-point field goal attempts.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is No. 26 in three-point field goals made in 2024-25—a putrid ranking that Finney-Smith could potentially assist with improving upon.
Finney-Smith is in the midst of the best shooting season of his nine-year NBA career. He's knocking down a career-best 2.4 three-point field goals per game and shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc—the best mark he's ever posted.
While some might be concerned by 2024-25 sticking out as a statistical outlier, there's reason to believe he can maintain a high level of efficiency.
Finney-Smith is a career 35.9 percent shooter from three-point range. He's knocked down 37.5 percent of his 5.0 attempts per game since 2019-20, however, shooting 39.4 percent or better from distance in both 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Compounded by the fact that he's currently shooting 43.3 percent from three in catch-and-shoot situations, Finney-Smith could be an essential addition to the Lakers' rotation.
1. Defensive Consistency
The single most important element of the Lakers' acquisition of Finney-Smith is his defensive prowess. Across each of the past nine seasons, he's proven to be one of the most intriguing defenders in the NBA.
For a Lakers team that's flush with offensive talent and all but devoid of defensive consistency, Finney-Smith could instantly become one of the most important players on the roster.
Opponents are currently shooting 5.0 percent worse when Finney-Smith is the primary defender. More impressive is the fact that he's holding opponents to a lower than average field goal percentage both beyond the three-point line and inside of it.
With a player who not only thrives on defense, but provides consistent energy and intensity, the Lakers may finally be able to fix their biggest flaws.
Los Angeles is currently No. 19 in opponent three-point field goal percentage, No. 21 in defensive rating, No. 26 in opponent fast-break points, and No. 28 in points allowed in the paint. It all boils down to a lack of reliable energy from the perimeter players on defense, which makes Finney-Smith the ultimate addition.
With his defense, three-point shooting, and offensive rebounding, Finney-Smith has the potential to be the versatile role player who grows into a glue-guy role.