It's obvious that this iteration of the Los Angeles Lakers needs a few more pieces if they are going to make any real noise in the Western Conference. Specifically, LA must be intentional about getting a three-and-D guy that will be able to effectively replace the void left behind by Dorian Finney-Smith's departure.
The veteran forward surprisingly left for Houston in free agency, and it is hard to overstate just how valuable his two-way presence had become for the Lakers. Finney-Smith often guarded the toughest perimeter assignment and hit the corner threes that the stars created. That kind of player is essential when you are building around a heliocentric offensive force like Luka Doncic, and his absence is already being felt.
Of course, when you have number 77 heading up your offensive approach you're always going to have a high ceiling. But just as we saw with Doncic in Dallas, you need the right kind of connective pieces around him if you're going to maximize his talent. Especially after DFS left town, that kind of skill is particularly lacking at the moment.
The Lakers need a Dorian Finney-Smith replacement
It's just painfully obvious at this point that LA is going to require more 3-and-D type players. They need someone who can chase around the West’s elite guards and wings, bang in the post when needed, and hit just enough threes to keep defenses honest. The Lakers do not need another scorer, they just need someone who is going to do the dirty work without asking for the spotlight. That was Finney-Smith, and it's not currently anyone on the roster.
The best teams in this conference have all made needle-moving decisions so far this offseason. There's still over two months of offseason left, with media day and training camp not set to begin until late September. However, the Lakers still have some catching up to do, considering what the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and others have accomplished.
So if LA is serious about hanging another banner during the twilight of LeBron’s career, this issue cannot be ignored. The front office has hit home runs in recent months, but there is one more swing they still need to take: find the right wing defender. Because no matter how good your stars are, you will not survive four rounds in the West without someone who can guard the ball, rotate properly, and knock down threes in rhythm.