Two New Lakers: Finney-Smith, Milton

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 30, 2024

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Two New Lakers: How Finney-Smith and Milton Reshape the Purple and Gold

The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise synonymous with championship pedigree, have made significant moves this offseason, adding depth and experience to their roster. Two key acquisitions, Dorian Finney-Smith and Malik Beasley, promise to drastically alter the team's dynamic on both ends of the court. While Beasley's scoring prowess is undeniable, this article will delve deeper into the impact of Finney-Smith and Milton, focusing on how their skill sets specifically address the Lakers' previous shortcomings and contribute to a more well-rounded team.

Finney-Smith: The Defensive Anchor the Lakers Needed

Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, brings a level of defensive intensity and versatility that the Lakers desperately needed. Last season, their defense was often porous, leaving them vulnerable to opposing teams' attacks. Finney-Smith's presence instantly elevates their defensive capabilities. He's not just a good defender; he's a smart defender. His understanding of defensive rotations, his ability to switch seamlessly onto different positions, and his knack for contesting shots make him a valuable asset.

Defensive Versatility and Impact

Finney-Smith's ability to guard multiple positions is crucial in today's NBA. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots from players both inside and outside the arc. He excels at playing help defense, providing support to his teammates and preventing easy scores. This defensive versatility allows Coach Ham to deploy different defensive schemes without sacrificing effectiveness. He can guard wings, some fours, and even switch onto smaller guards if needed, giving the Lakers a level of defensive flexibility they lacked previously.

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Beyond Defense: The Quiet Contributions

While his defensive prowess is his most significant contribution, Finney-Smith also offers valuable offensive skills. He's a reliable three-point shooter, a crucial element in the modern NBA. His ability to space the floor opens up driving lanes for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making the Lakers' offense more dynamic and difficult to defend. Though not a high-volume scorer, his consistent shooting percentage from beyond the arc makes him a valuable threat. He also excels at cutting to the basket and finishing efficiently around the rim, adding another layer to his offensive capabilities.

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Malik Beasley: The Sixth Man Spark

While Finney-Smith provides stability, Malik Beasley injects a much-needed scoring punch off the bench. The Lakers' second unit struggled last season with consistent scoring, often relying heavily on individual performances rather than a cohesive unit. Beasley's scoring ability instantly upgrades their bench production.

Instant Offense and Bench Scoring

Beasley is a known commodity: a high-volume three-point shooter capable of getting hot in a hurry. His ability to create his own shot and score in bunches is something the Lakers' bench desperately needed. He’s not afraid to take the big shot, providing the Lakers with an additional scoring threat alongside their established stars. His ability to shoot off the dribble, catch-and-shoot, and even drive to the basket adds variability to his game and keeps defenses honest.

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Beyond the Points: Defensive Contributions

Beasley isn't just a one-dimensional scorer. While his defensive prowess might not match Finney-Smith's, he is a capable defender who can contribute on that end. He's quick on his feet and has shown improvement in his defensive awareness. Combined with his offensive firepower, he's a valuable asset in many game situations. His presence also allows for better rotations and the ability to pressure opposing guards.

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The Synergistic Effect: Finney-Smith and Beasley's Combined Impact

The addition of Finney-Smith and Beasley creates a synergistic effect, enhancing the Lakers' overall performance. Finney-Smith's defensive intensity allows Beasley to focus on his scoring, while Beasley's offensive firepower creates space for Finney-Smith to operate. This dynamic duo addresses two critical weaknesses – defense and bench scoring – that plagued the Lakers last season.

Improved Defensive Ratings and Offensive Efficiency

The combination of their skills is expected to lead to significant improvements in both defensive and offensive ratings. Finney-Smith's lockdown defense should reduce the number of easy points the Lakers concede, while Beasley's offensive bursts will provide crucial scoring punch when the starters need a rest. This improved efficiency could potentially translate to more wins and a higher playoff seed.

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A Deeper, More Versatile Roster

The addition of these two players creates a deeper and more versatile roster, allowing Coach Ham to deploy different lineups depending on the opponent and game situation. This flexibility is crucial in the NBA, where matchups can significantly impact game outcomes. The Lakers now have the depth to withstand injuries and maintain their competitive edge throughout the season.

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Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Lakers

The acquisitions of Dorian Finney-Smith and Malik Beasley mark a significant step towards improving the Los Angeles Lakers. Their individual skills and the synergistic effect of their combined presence promise a more well-rounded, competitive team. While success is never guaranteed, the Lakers have addressed key weaknesses and significantly bolstered their roster. With a stronger defensive foundation and a more potent bench, the Lakers are poised for a successful season. The future looks bright for the purple and gold. Only time will tell the true extent of their impact, but early signs point towards a positive and promising future for the team.

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