The Los Angeles Lakers completed the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks.
The newest Lakers star opened up on joining the franchise, discussing how he’s excited to play alongside LeBron James and shoot more corner threes again, his signature offensive ability which got subdued during his two years with the Nets.
“Ah man, I can’t wait! (I can) get back to shooting corner 3’s. Over the last 2 years I’ve been shooting more above-the-break 3’s, but I know ‘Bron, he sling that ball to the corner. I already played with Luka – probably the best two guys at finding guys in that corner.”
Dorian also got real on speaking to LeBron properly for the first time after this trade, as he made it a point to not be friendly with LeBron while competing against him.
“This is probably the most I ever said something to him. I’ve been guarding him for 9 years… So now I just have to pull that shade down and ask him ‘give me some of those shoes.’… We never know when he’s going to hang it up. It was fun to be able to ask him for something, knowing I ain’t got to compete against him tomorrow.”
Finney-Smith knows that he’s never played alongside an interior presence like Anthony Davis, opening up on how he hopes to make Davis’ job on the court easier.
“He draws so much attention – he’s going to create closeouts and shots for guys like me. Offensive-rebound opportunities, because two people have to go box him out – we used to have to sandwich rebound, he was one of those guys. Now, with two people going to him, I get to come in freely and grab some offensive rebounds. Just try to play off him and give him confidence.”
Beyond just fitting next to LeBron and Davis, Finney-Smith knows that he needs to continue impacting the game across all facets to maximize his positive influence on the Lakers.
“When they do want me to play small, they got that option. I can pick and pop, spread the floor so guys can get in that lane, and pull the big out of the paint. That’s what we did if teams put centers on me. We got a bunch of different options.”
The 30-year-old forward is ready to do whatever the team needs him to do.
“I’m just trying to help these guys any way I can. If it’s with my energy, giving energy. Making shots. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do.”
LeBron James is already excited to team up with Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, commenting on their arrivals to the franchise earlier today.
“They bring experience, toughness, guys who have played in big games and have mastered their role throughout their career. I’m excited for them to get into our system and make an immediate impact whenever their number is called.”
LeBron James on what Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton bring to the Lakers: pic.twitter.com/cdhRGqdVjJ
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 30, 2024
Finney-Smith is coming to the Lakers after averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds this season on 43.5% from three with the Nets. He will be an impactful 3-and-D presence off the bench for the Lakers, although he could easily find his way into the starting lineup with strong performances.
He should be ready to suit up for the Lakers’ next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 1, 2025.
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