The Los Angeles Lakers recently agreed to a Dorian Finney-Smith and D'Angelo Russell-led trade with the Brooklyn Nets, with LA receiving Finney-Smith. The trade should help the Lakers, as Finney-Smith is a versatile forward who projects to be a quality fit in Los Angeles. Russell is a good player but it became clear this season that he was a candidate to be traded. Sure enough, that is exactly what ultimately occurred.
Although the trade is likely going to benefit the Lakers, the deal does not necessarily turn them into an NBA Finals contender. Los Angeles still has plenty of work to do from a roster construction standpoint.
The Lakers will save over $3 million as a result of the trade. Los Angeles can go and make another trade since they are under the second apron. Acquiring much-needed extra depth in a different trade could push the Lakers closer toward becoming a realistic NBA Finals contender.
Lakers' current roster
When healthy, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are starters without question. Austin Reaves has also established himself as a starting caliber player. Rui Hachimura and Max Christie can start as well. LA's bench could use another upgrade, however.
Finney-Smith is capable of guarding multiple positions. His versatility is certainly going to prove to be valuable for the team. Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes can help matters as well, but adding another depth player or two is what will take the Lakers to the next level.
The Lakers, as expected, will probably be linked to stars in trade rumors. It is almost inevitable. Could LA acquire a star? It is possible, but in all reality upgrading the bench and increasing the roster depth is what this team needs at the moment.
Will Lakers make any more trades?
The Lakers could potentially make another trade or two. They want to win now since LeBron James is 40 years old and it remains to be seen how many years left he has remaining in the NBA. As a result, acquiring further help in deals makes sense.
The Lakers have multiple picks that could be of interest to teams around the NBA. Los Angeles could look to move a player or two, but they need to be careful about surrendering too much of their depth in a move.
With all of that being said, Dorian Finney-Smith is a tremendous addition for the Lakers.