The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in the 9th spot in the competitive Western Conference, and it appears that they are poised to make a strategic move. The focus of their attention centers around acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, a move that could potentially strengthen their roster significantly. However, the Lakers acknowledge the need for additional rotational support and depth in secondary positions, recognizing that such reinforcements are crucial for an improved standing in the conference.
As the trade deadline looms, the Lakers could explore a 3-team trade proposal that also addresses their deficiencies in key areas. This strategic maneuver aims to position the Lakers as serious contenders for the playoffs, providing the much-needed boost required to ascend in the Western Conference standings.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bruce Brown, Dorian Finney-Smith
Toronto Raptors Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, 2029 First-Round Pick (via Lakers)
The Lakers Finally Get Defense And Shooting
In this proposed 3-team trade, the Los Angeles Lakers strategically acquire Bruce Brown and Dorian Finney-Smith, two players who bring a combination of defensive prowess and three-point shooting to bolster the team’s overall performance.
Brown, coming from the Toronto Raptors, brings a well-rounded skill set that includes scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. With averages of 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, Brown adds versatility to the Lakers’ backcourt. His defensive tenacity and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game make him a valuable addition. Brown’s prior experience in different systems, including his time with the Indiana Pacers this season and his championship experience with the Denver Nuggets, indicates adaptability and a capacity to fit into the Lakers’ system seamlessly.
Hailing from the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith arrives with a reputation for being a reliable three-and-D player. His stat line of 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, along with an impressive 38.3% from beyond the arc, underscores his ability to space the floor effectively. Finney-Smith’s defensive skills and outside shooting make him an ideal complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Coming from a team like the Nets, who are currently in a middle-of-the-pack position in the Eastern Conference, Finney-Smith provides a fresh perspective and hunger for success.
Adding Brown and Finney-Smith to a lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves creates a well-balanced and formidable unit. Brown’s defensive prowess and playmaking abilities complement Russell’s scoring, while Finney-Smith’s shooting addresses a crucial need for floor spacing around LeBron and Davis. The Lakers’ starting lineup gains defensive intensity without sacrificing offensive efficiency, creating a more versatile team capable of adapting to various matchups.
Crucial Impact On Both Sides Of The Floor
Amidst defensive struggles and declining offensive performance, the Lakers embark on a pivotal transformation with the acquisition of Bruce Brown and Dorian Finney-Smith. Currently positioned 13th in Defensive Rating at 114.4 and 20th in Offensive Rating at 113.5, the Lakers aim to enhance both facets of their game. While Brown and DFS won’t assume starring roles on the offensive end, their ability to contribute on both sides of the court could be the missing piece that propels the Lakers into a new era of success.
Dorian Finney-Smith, with the Dallas Mavericks, boasted an impressive plus/minus of 3.34 per game during the 2021-22 season. His on-court presence contributed to a staggering offensive rating of 123.7 for the Mavericks, a team that stood out as one of the league’s best offenses. Furthermore, his influence this year with the Brooklyn Nets translates to an improved Defensive Rating of 106.9 and a solid 52.3% field goal percentage for the team when he is in the starters’ lineup.
On the other hand, Bruce Brown, a key part of the reigning champion Denver’s most-used lineup last year, contributed to an impressive offensive rating of 118.4 and a defensive rating of 109.9. While they may not occupy starring roles, the combination of three-point shooting, defensive tenacity, off-ball IQ, and relentless hustle on both ends of the court could be exactly what the Lakers need to reverse their fortunes.
Sacrifices Of The Trade
As the Lakers contemplate a potential game-changing trade to fortify their roster, it’s crucial to scrutinize the sacrifices made in the pursuit of improvement. The proposed deal involves bidding farewell to Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes—each contributing in their unique ways.
Rui Hachimura, averaging 11.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, leaves a void in scoring and versatility. Known for his offensive prowess, the Lakers say goodbye to a player who has been a steady contributor on both ends of the floor.
The departure of rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino, with modest averages of 2.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists, suggests a potential sacrifice of long-term development. While his impact may be limited at this early stage, the Lakers relinquish a young prospect with potential upside.
Gabe Vincent, averaging 5.4 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in just five games due to injury, showcased glimpses of his playmaking ability. His departure may affect the Lakers’ depth at the guard position, emphasizing the importance of securing reliable replacements.
Jaxson Hayes, with averages of 2.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks, provided frontcourt support for the Lakers. While his numbers may not be staggering, his departure leaves a void in the team’s interior defense and rebounding.
The sacrifices made in this proposed trade are not without consequences. The Lakers are parting ways with contributors who, in their own capacities, added value to the team. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the acquired assets, Bruce Brown and Dorian Finney-Smith, seamlessly integrate into the team’s dynamics, filling the void left by these departures.
Overall Results Of The Trade
In the grand scheme of things, the Lakers appear to lose relatively little in the proposed trade. The outgoing players, aside from Rui Hachimura, are seldom-used rotational pieces with limited perceived value. In exchange, the team acquires two role players, Bruce Brown and Dorian Finney-Smith, who promise to provide a substantial boost on both ends of the court.
The sacrificed assets, including Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, and Jaxson Hayes, are viewed as expendable given their limited roles and contributions. While Hachimura stands out as a more significant loss, the overall assessment suggests that the Lakers are strategically shedding spare parts to make way for a potentially impactful duo.
Bruce Brown and Dorian Finney-Smith, as role players, bring valuable attributes that can enhance the team’s performance. Brown, known for his defensive tenacity and versatility, and Finney-Smith, a three-and-D specialist, offer a complementary skill set that aligns well with the playing styles of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The true measure of success for this trade lies in how effectively Brown and Finney-Smith integrate into the Lakers’ system. If the two newcomers can seamlessly contribute and enhance the team’s dynamics, the trade could prove to be a masterstroke in elevating the Lakers’ competitiveness.
