Lakers Get Finney-Smith, Milton

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Post on Dec 30, 2024

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Lakers Bolster Roster with Finney-Smith and Milton: A Winning Formula?

The Los Angeles Lakers made significant moves ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock from the Dallas Mavericks and acquiring Shake Milton from the Philadelphia 76ers. These additions inject much-needed depth and defensive prowess into a team aiming for a deep playoff run. But do these acquisitions truly solidify the Lakers' championship aspirations? Let's delve into the impact of these additions.

Finney-Smith: A Defensive Anchor and 3-and-D Specialist

Dorian Finney-Smith brings a much-needed defensive presence to the Lakers' forward position. Known for his tenacious on-ball defense and ability to guard multiple positions, Finney-Smith instantly upgrades the team's defensive capabilities. His length and athleticism will be invaluable in disrupting opposing offenses and contesting shots.

Beyond defense, Finney-Smith is a reliable three-point shooter, boasting a career 35% average from beyond the arc. This complements the Lakers' offensive strategy, providing another reliable floor spacer to alleviate pressure on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His ability to consistently knock down open threes will make him a valuable asset on offense, spreading the floor and creating opportunities for drives to the basket.

Finney-Smith's Strengths:

• Elite Defense: A proven lockdown defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
• 3-and-D Prowess: A consistent three-point shooter who excels on the defensive end.
• Veteran Experience: Brings valuable playoff experience to a young Lakers roster.

Finney-Smith's Potential Impact: The addition of Finney-Smith immediately elevates the Lakers' defense. His contributions will be crucial against playoff contenders boasting strong offensive firepower. His offensive versatility, though less flashy, will create more space and opportunities for the Lakers' stars.

Milton: Offensive Spark and Sixth Man Potential

Shake Milton adds a dynamic scoring element to the Lakers' backcourt. Known for his smooth scoring ability and his quick release, Milton provides much needed backcourt scoring punch. He offers a scoring punch off the bench, potentially filling the role of a sixth man who can create his own offense. His ability to score both from inside and outside the three-point line is a valuable asset. His presence gives the Lakers another scoring threat off the bench.

Milton's Strengths:

• Offensive Versatility: Capable of scoring from all three levels.
• Playmaking Ability: Can create scoring opportunities for himself and others.
• Scoring Punch off the Bench: Provides immediate scoring output as a reserve.

Milton's Potential Impact: Milton's ability to create his own shot is crucial for a team heavily reliant on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His potential to excel as a sixth man could ease the offensive burden on the starters and bolster the second unit significantly.

The Overall Impact: A Contender's Upgrade

The acquisitions of Finney-Smith and Milton represent significant improvements to the Lakers' roster. The additions of both players address critical weaknesses – the need for defensive consistency and consistent scoring – and bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run. The synergy between the new additions and the existing players will be key in determining the Lakers' success in the post-season. While there is no guarantee of a championship, these moves demonstrate the Lakers' commitment to improving their title chances significantly. The trade deadline moves have elevated the Lakers to legitimate contenders in a very competitive Western Conference.

Looking Ahead: Will it Be Enough?

Ultimately, whether these moves are enough to propel the Lakers to a championship remains to be seen. Success will depend on the integration of these new players into the team dynamic, their overall performance, and the continued health and effectiveness of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the acquisitions of Finney-Smith and Milton significantly enhance the Lakers' chances, transforming them into a more complete and formidable team. The coming weeks and months will be critical in gauging the full impact of these trades and whether the Lakers truly have what it takes to compete for a title.