Lakers Trade: Finney-Smith, Milton

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 30, 2024

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Lakers Trade Rumors: Examining the Finney-Smith and Milton Possibilities

The Los Angeles Lakers are perpetually in the rumor mill, and the off-season is no exception. Two names consistently swirling in trade speculation are Dorian Finney-Smith of the Dallas Mavericks and Matisse Thybulle of the Portland Trail Blazers. While a direct swap involving both players seems unlikely, exploring the individual merits of acquiring either player and the potential trade packages could significantly impact the Lakers' championship aspirations. This deep dive analyzes the pros and cons of these potential acquisitions, looking at their fit within the Lakers' existing roster, their potential impact on team chemistry, and the price the Lakers might have to pay.

Dorian Finney-Smith: The Defensive Anchor the Lakers Need?

Dorian Finney-Smith is a proven 3-and-D player, a commodity highly valued in today's NBA. His defensive prowess is undeniable. He's a tenacious defender capable of guarding multiple positions, something sorely needed by the Lakers. He possesses the size, strength, and defensive instincts to disrupt opposing offenses and make life difficult for perimeter players. Adding a player of his caliber would solidify the Lakers' defensive perimeter, a weakness exposed throughout the previous season.

Pros of Acquiring Finney-Smith:

• Elite Defense: This is the biggest selling point. Finney-Smith's defensive versatility would immediately upgrade the Lakers' perimeter defense, allowing LeBron James and Anthony Davis to focus more on offense.
• 3-Point Shooting: While not a lights-out shooter, Finney-Smith is a respectable three-point threat. His ability to space the floor is crucial in today's NBA and would complement the Lakers' offensive scheme.
• Veteran Leadership: Finney-Smith's experience in playoff basketball would be invaluable to a young Lakers team. His leadership and composure under pressure could prove crucial during the postseason.
• Contract Situation: Depending on the remaining years and value of his contract, it might be a relatively manageable addition to the Lakers' salary cap.

Cons of Acquiring Finney-Smith:

• Offensive Limitations: While he can shoot the three, Finney-Smith isn't a dynamic offensive player. He's not a primary ball-handler or a consistent scorer.
• Trade Cost: Acquiring a player of Finney-Smith's caliber would undoubtedly require the Lakers to surrender valuable assets, possibly including young players or draft picks.
• Fit with Existing Roster: Integrating Finney-Smith into the Lakers' system requires careful consideration of existing roster spots and playing time allocation.

Matisse Thybulle: The Defensive Specialist

Matisse Thybulle represents a different type of defensive asset. While he might lack the all-around game of Finney-Smith, Thybulle is a renowned perimeter defender, specializing in steals and disrupting passing lanes. His intensity and defensive instincts are top-tier. He is a disruptive force on that end of the court.

Pros of Acquiring Thybulle:

• Elite Defensive Instincts: Thybulle's knack for steals and disruptive defense could change the momentum of games.
• Young and Developing: Still relatively young, Thybulle has the potential for further growth and improvement.
• Potential for Increased Offensive Contributions: While primarily known for his defense, Thybulle has shown flashes of offensive potential and could improve in this area with more playing time and opportunities.

Cons of Acquiring Thybulle:

• Offensive Limitations: This is his biggest drawback. His offensive game is currently underdeveloped, limiting his overall impact on the court.
• Trade Cost: Similar to Finney-Smith, acquiring Thybulle would likely require the Lakers to part with valuable assets.
• Fit with the Lakers' Offensive System: His offensive limitations could create challenges fitting him into the Lakers' offensive scheme, which relies heavily on its star players.

The Potential Trade Packages and Considerations

The Lakers would need to creatively construct a package to acquire either player. This could involve a combination of young players like Max Christie or Jaden McDaniels, future draft picks, and possibly salary fillers to match contracts. The Mavericks and Trail Blazers would be looking for value in return for established players. The Lakers' front office will need to carefully weigh the cost against the potential benefits.

Factors the Lakers' front office must consider:

• Future Draft Picks: Trading away future first-round draft picks could hinder the team's long-term rebuilding plans.
• Young Player Development: Trading away promising young players could stunt their growth and development.
• Salary Cap Implications: Any trade must be carefully evaluated to ensure it aligns with the Lakers' salary cap situation.
• Team Chemistry: The addition of a new player must complement the existing team dynamics and chemistry.

Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble

Acquiring either Dorian Finney-Smith or Matisse Thybulle presents a calculated gamble for the Lakers. Both players offer defensive expertise, a critical need for the team. However, both come with their own set of limitations, primarily on the offensive end. The Lakers' front office must meticulously evaluate the potential trade packages, considering the cost of acquiring these players against their potential impact on the team's overall performance. The success of any trade hinges on finding the right balance between immediate impact and long-term sustainability. The decision will ultimately depend on the Lakers’ willingness to risk valuable assets for a potential boost in defensive capabilities and playoff contention. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the fate of these trade rumors and the ultimate direction the Lakers take in their pursuit of a championship.