The Los Angeles Lakers are at a critical juncture in their season. After a promising start, they’ve encountered difficulties maintaining consistency, leading head coach JJ Redick to experiment with lineups.
One of the most pressing decisions facing Redick is whether to replace Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup with recently acquired forward Dorian Finney-Smith. According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, this change might happen sooner rather than later, as Finney-Smith offers a better two-way balance for the team.
“Los Angeles’ trade for Finney-Smith has improved its ability to compete against these types of teams. Redick began using Finney-Smith as a safety blanket in the second half against Houston, inserting him for Rui Hachimura less than a minute after halftime and once again in the early fourth to go smaller and replace Hayes. Finney-Smith closed the game alongside the other four starters, with Hachimura on the bench.”
“It wouldn’t be surprising if Redick opts to start Finney-Smith in Hachimura’s place sooner than later. Finney-Smith has outplayed Hachimura since arriving in Los Angeles and provides better two-way balance now that he’s beginning to look more comfortable offensively. He scored 13 points, his most as a Laker, drilling two 3s and scoring on three drives to the rim, including a crucial and-1 late.”
Rui Hachimura has been a solid contributor for the Lakers, but his defensive shortcomings and lack of consistent impact on both ends of the court have raised questions about his fit in the starting lineup. On the other hand, Dorian Finney-Smith, who joined the Lakers in a mid-season trade, has made an immediate impression. His defensive versatility and growing comfort on offense has made him a valuable asset.
In the Lakers’ recent loss to the Houston Rockets, Redick leaned heavily on Finney-Smith in the second half, pulling Hachimura just one minute into the third quarter. Finney-Smith closed the game alongside the team’s other four starters, contributing 13 points, including two three-pointers and a crucial and-1 layup late in the game. His ability to stretch the floor while playing strong defense makes him an appealing option for a starting role.
Finney-Smith’s defensive capabilities are particularly valuable for the Lakers, who have struggled to contain athletic, high-scoring teams in the Western Conference. His perimeter defense, combined with his ability to switch onto bigger players, provides a level of versatility that Hachimura cannot consistently match. Additionally, as Finney-Smith becomes more comfortable offensively, he has shown flashes of being a reliable scorer in key moments.
Despite Finney-Smith’s recent performances, benching Rui Hachimura is not an easy decision. Hachimura brings size, mid-range scoring, and an aggressive approach to the game. He has been a key part of the Lakers’ rotation since being acquired last season and played a significant role in their playoff run. His offensive ceiling is arguably higher than Finney-Smith’s, and his ability to attack mismatches in the post can be an asset against certain opponents.
However, Hachimura’s defense has been a liability at times, particularly against teams with quick, athletic wings. This has made him a target for opposing offenses, especially in high-stakes situations. Redick’s preference for two-way players may ultimately tip the scales in favor of Finney-Smith, who is a more consistent defender.
The Lakers’ upcoming schedule and the eventual return of Jarred Vanderbilt will likely influence Redick’s decision. Vanderbilt, who has yet to play this season due to injuries, could also compete for minutes at forward. His defensive prowess and energy make him an intriguing option for the rotation, and his presence might allow Redick to experiment with different combinations, potentially reducing the reliance on Hachimura or Finney-Smith.
Additionally, the Lakers’ front office is reportedly exploring trade options to address the team’s weaknesses. Whether they prioritize adding size, athleticism, or shooting, the roster could look significantly different in the coming months. For now, though, Finney-Smith’s emergence gives the Lakers a viable alternative to Hachimura in the starting lineup.
While replacing Hachimura with Finney-Smith in the starting lineup would bring immediate defensive improvements, the decision ultimately depends on how Redick envisions the Lakers’ identity moving forward. If defense and versatility are prioritized, Finney-Smith is the logical choice.
However, Hachimura’s scoring and size cannot be overlooked, especially in matchups where his offensive skills are needed. Either way, this decision underscores the Lakers’ ongoing search for the optimal lineup to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis as they navigate a challenging Western Conference.
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