The current Lakers lineup clearly isn’t enough if they’re serious about making a deep run in the Western Conference. A top priority for Rob Pelinka and the front office is securing a true three-and-D forward—a role that became glaringly vacant after Dorian Finney-Smith’s surprising move to the Houston Rockets.
Finney-Smith was a key defensive anchor, often assigned to the toughest matchups while also spacing the floor with corner threes. His value as a two-way contributor was huge, especially when playing alongside a heliocentric playmaker like Luka Doncic. His exit has left a noticeable gap.
“When you have number 77 heading up your offensive approach you’re always going to have a high ceiling,” the article states. “But just as we saw with Doncic in Dallas, you need the right kind of connective pieces around him if you’re going to maximize his talent.”
That’s why Finney-Smith’s skillset is missed now more than ever. The Lakers lack that gritty, no-spotlight-needed player who can guard elite wings, body up in the post, and hit timely threes.
“It’s just painfully obvious at this point that LA is going to require more 3-and-D type players,” the piece emphasizes. “The Lakers do not need another scorer, they just need someone who is going to do the dirty work without asking for the spotlight. That was Finney-Smith, and it’s not currently anyone on the roster.”
With over two months remaining before media day and training camp, the Lakers still have time to act—but many of their Western rivals already have. The Nuggets and Rockets, for example, have made strong offseason moves that LA has yet to match.
If the Lakers want to take full advantage of the final championship window of LeBron James’ career, they can’t afford to overlook this glaring need.
“There is one more swing they still need to take: find the right wing defender,” the article concludes. “Because no matter how good your stars are, you will not survive four rounds in the West without someone who can guard the ball, rotate properly, and knock down threes in rhythm.”
