Rob Pelinka of LA Lakers (Image via Getty)
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significantly beneficial move by acquiring
Dorian Finney-Smith
from the Brooklyn Nets, sending D'Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis in return, along with veteran guard Shake Milton. The trade addresses the Lakers' need for perimeter shooting and defense, as Finney-Smith brings an impressive 43.5% three-point shooting percentage this season.
The Lakers, currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference with an 18-13 record, aren't done dealing yet. The team has set its sights on strengthening the center position, with NBA insider Jovan Buha revealing several potential targets, including
Walker Kessler
, Robert Williams, Nikola Vucevic, Jakob Poeltl, and Jonas Valanciunas.
The recent trade has created $3.5 million in cap flexibility for the Los Angeles Lakers while preserving their valuable 2029 and 2030 first-round picks. However, the team faces challenges in the trade market with limited assets, having only one second-round pick remaining. Any major moves for high-value players might require parting with their first-round picks.
Under the guidance of coach JJ Redick, the Lakers have shown remarkable performance despite injuries to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The team's impressive turnaround has positioned them as serious contenders in the Western Conference.
Walker Kessler of Utah Jazz (Image via Getty)
"The Lakers are still actively pursuing deals and looking at younger players who can contribute for the next 3-4 years," reports Shams Charania.
The front office appears particularly interested in 23-year-old Walker Kessler, who represents the ideal blend of immediate impact and long-term potential. This aligns with the Lakers' dual strategy of remaining competitive now while building for the future under Redick's system.
The Finney-Smith acquisition showed the Lakers' commitment to addressing specific needs through targeted moves. His versatility as a 6'7" wing who can defend multiple positions while providing reliable three-point shooting fills a crucial gap in the roster.
The Lakers' ability to maintain flexibility while upgrading their roster shows shrewd management of assets. While the loss of Russell and Lewis is significant, the return value in Finney-Smith and the created cap space positions the team for additional moves as the trade deadline approaches.
Also read: LA Lakers Trade News: GM Rob Pelinka acquires $15 million forward and $2.8 million guard from Brooklyn Nets for LeBron James and co.
The Lakers continue their search for a talented center and with their retention of key future draft picks, they have the ammunition needed for potential deals. The team's current standing in the Western Conference, combined with their proactive approach to roster improvement, suggests they're serious about contending this season while maintaining a view toward sustained success.