The Los Angeles Lakers are fully embracing the need for a deep and balanced rotation. While some were hoping Los Angeles would add a new star to potentially replace 40-year-old legend LeBron James, Rob Pelinka instead opted to prioritize the team's most glaring weakness.
By trading for former Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers have acknowledged the need for a reliable defensive wing—and it appears as though JJ Redick influenced the decision.
Finney-Smith, 31, has spent nine seasons thriving as one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA. At 6'7" and 220 pounds with a near 7'0" wingspan and the tenacity to take the fight to the opposition, the former Florida Gators standout has thrived at every stop.
In a recently resurfaced clip, Redick explained what it is about Finney-Smith that makes him such a valuable commodity on both ends of the floor.
JJ was always a fan of Dorian Finney-Smith. They were teammates briefly and DFS clearly made an impression on him. Talked about him a lot on the podcast. pic.twitter.com/3qbFyZVvSd
— Jason Gallagher (@jga41agher) December 29, 2024
Finney-Smith has thrived on rebuilding rosters and those with All-NBA level players, which is a testament to the type of contributor he truly is.
JJ Redick has always been high on Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith
Finney-Smith and Redick were teammates in 2020-21, when the latter briefly played for the Dallas Mavericks. It didn't take long for the Lakers' first-year head coach to take note of what has helped Finney-Smith carve out a rewarding nine-year career.
A true team-first contributor who makes the plays that most are reluctant to attempt, Finney-Smith is the type of defensive impact player who could help elevate the Lakers.
Thus far in 2024-25, opponents are shooting 5.0 percent worse from the field when Finney-Smith is the primary defender. He's made a positive impact both within and beyond the arc, which is essential information for a Lakers team that ranks No. 21 in defensive rating.
In Los Angeles, Finney-Smith will have a chance to play alongside five-time All-Defense honoree Anthony Davis and, potentially, fellow defensive stopper Jarred Vanderbilt.
On the other end of the floor, Finney-Smith is the epitome of a player who can do a bit of everything. He's not to be confused with a high-level shot creator, but he's capable of attacking a closeout and is creating second chances at a respectable level at 1.6 offensive boards in 29.0 minutes per game.
The more likely manner in which he'll be utilized is as a catch-and-shoot specialist, but the versatility he provides fits what Redick has asked of fellow forward Rui Hachimura.
As far as his shooting is concerned, Finney-Smith is knocking down 43.3 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts from beyond the arc. He boasts a career mark of 35.9 percent from three-point range overall, but hit 38.9 percent of his attempts during his last three seasons with Luka Doncic in Dallas.
A veteran who knows how to play off of high-level playmakers, defends at a high level, and is known to do the dirty work, Finney-Smith has the tools to justify Redick's long-standing faith in him.