Lakers’ Rumored Next Move Becomes Crystal Clear as Front Office Eyes Key Roster Addition… read more…
In a pivotal offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, clarity has finally emerged about the team’s next move — and it could shape their trajectory for the 2025-26 NBA season. After weeks of speculation surrounding trade targets, free agent signings, and the team’s long-term strategy, multiple league sources confirm the Lakers have zeroed in on acquiring a proven two-way wing to bolster their roster.
The target? Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
Though the Lakers’ offseason has been relatively quiet after re-signing key role players and officially retaining LeBron James for at least another season, behind-the-scenes maneuvering suggests that Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office have been far from idle. Finney-Smith, a 3-and-D specialist, has emerged as the franchise’s priority acquisition — a move that appears to align with both LeBron’s final-chapter ambitions and new head coach JJ Redick’s desire for defensive versatility.
Why Finney-Smith?
At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, Finney-Smith is regarded across the league as one of the more underrated perimeter defenders. He brings experience, toughness, and playoff mileage — qualities the Lakers have been accused of lacking in their supporting cast. With the Western Conference growing deeper by the season — especially with the defending champion Denver Nuggets, a reloaded Oklahoma City Thunder, and the rising Minnesota Timberwolves — the Lakers recognize the need for versatile defenders who can slow down elite wings and space the floor on the offensive end.
“Finney-Smith fits perfectly next to both LeBron and AD,” said one anonymous scout. “He can defend multiple positions, knock down open threes, and doesn’t need the ball. That’s what this team needs.”
In 2024-25, Finney-Smith averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 36% from three — respectable numbers for a player often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best wing. His $14.9 million salary next season is manageable and fits within the Lakers’ mid-tier trade options, especially if the team is willing to part with draft capital and younger talent.
The Package
Sources suggest the Lakers are prepared to offer a package centered around guard Jalen Hood-Schifino, salary filler in the form of Gabe Vincent, and a future first-round pick — likely one of the 2029 or 2031 selections the team has been reluctant to move without a significant return.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, is reportedly open to moving Finney-Smith as part of a broader restructuring. After acquiring multiple draft picks and young players in the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving trades, the Nets appear committed to building a long-term core around young assets like Cam Thomas, Noah Clowney, and incoming rookie Ja’Kobe Walter.
Though there are still minor details to iron out — such as protections on the draft pick and whether a third team may get involved — insiders suggest that negotiations have accelerated in recent days.
“The Lakers have been in talks with Brooklyn for over a week,” one source said. “There’s confidence on both sides that a deal could be finalized before training camp.”
LeBron’s Influence
Though LeBron James has not been directly involved in trade discussions, league sources believe his decision to re-sign was predicated on the Lakers continuing to push for contention. While adding Finney-Smith may not be as headline-grabbing as past Laker trades for Russell Westbrook or Anthony Davis, it is seen as a critical strategic move to create a balanced, playoff-tested roster.
“LeBron doesn’t just want stars anymore — he wants guys who can help win in April and May,” a Western Conference executive told The Athletic. “Finney-Smith is that kind of player.”
It’s also worth noting that JJ Redick, in his early conversations with Lakers management, emphasized defense, spacing, and a more positionless style of play. Finney-Smith checks all those boxes and could see substantial minutes in both starting and closing lineups.
Bigger Picture
Adding Finney-Smith would likely signal the end of the Lakers’ major offseason moves. Barring any last-minute surprise trades, the team would enter the 2025-26 season with a rotation consisting of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Finney-Smith — a group that blends experience, shooting, and positional flexibility.
That said, questions remain.
Will this be enough to compete with the elite of the West? Can the Lakers stay healthy through an 82-game grind and deep playoff run? Is JJ Redick ready for the pressures of coaching a win-now team in his first year on the sidelines?
For now, however, the Lakers appear to be moving with a clear and deliberate vision.
By targeting a complementary piece like Finney-Smith instead of chasing another high-usage star, the front office seems to have learned from past mistakes. Surrounding LeBron and Davis with role players who fit systemically and defensively may finally offer the formula for sustainable success.
And if the rumored trade becomes reality in the coming days, it will mark a subtle but significant pivot for a franchise that has long favored star power over depth.
In this case, clarity has come not with a blockbuster deal, but with a practical, playoff-focused approach.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers’ rumored next move is no longer a mystery. With their eyes locked on Dorian Finney-Smith, the front office is signaling that they’re not just chasing headlines — they’re building a basketball team designed to compete.
It may not make the biggest splash on social media, but it could be exactly what’s needed to make one more title
run before the LeBron era officially comes to an end.
