The Los Angeles Lakers recently acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Shams Charania of ESPN reports that both players are eligible to make their Lakers debuts on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New Lakers Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton have been cleared to make their team debut tonight versus the Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN. All physicals have been complete for the four-player Lakers-Nets trade. https://t.co/YUmw8OoLIx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 31, 2024
The trade projects to benefit the Lakers. Los Angeles has played well in recent action but they still have work to do when it comes to developing a true contender. Finney-Smith and Milton will both provide important depth.
It goes without saying, but fans should not judge the trade after one game. It is easy to overreact depending on how the new players perform. However, patience will be of the utmost importance. It may require a few weeks as Finney-Smith and Milton adjust to a new team.
Finney-Smith and Milton are quality additions, though. The Lakers' depth has been one of their most pressing uncertainties in the 2024-25 season, and they did a tremendous job of addressing the question mark.
Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton set to make Lakers debuts
Finney-Smith, 31, has played for the Nets and Dallas Mavericks in his NBA career. He played in Dallas from 2016-17 until the 2022-23 season, when he was traded to the Nets. In 2024-25, Finney-Smith has averaged 10.4 points per game on 45.9 percent field goal and 43.5 percent three-point shooting. The versatile forward is averaging 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per outing as well.
Finney-Smith can play either forward position while guarding almost any opposing player. His offensive prowess should not be ignored, though, as he is in the middle of a strong scoring campaign.
Milton, who is 28 years old, will also make a big impact with the Lakers. The shooting guard has previously played with the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. He was in his first season with the Nets before getting traded to the Lakers.
In 2024-25, Milton has averaged 7.4 points per outing while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 38.9 percent on his three-point attempts. Milton is also averaging 2.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds per outing.
Milton's inclusion in the trade gives the Lakers another guard who can provide scoring off the bench. He can also help the Lakers bench's defensive effort.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton will try to help the Lakers win on Tuesday night. The Cavaliers and Lakers will play at 9 PM EST in Los Angeles.