Confirmed deal : Lakers Pushing to Land $56 Million Versatile 3-and-D Wing Report

The Los Angeles Lakers have their eyes on Brooklyn Nets‘ versatile 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith, Anthony Irwin of Clutchpoints reported.

“The Lakers checked in on Dorian Finney-Smith last year and have been in kind of constant contact with the Nets about him,” Irwin said during the November 25 episode of the “Lakers Lounge” show on X with his guest, Bleacher Report and The Stein Line’s “People Insider” Jake Fischer.

Irwin added that Finney-Smith is a more realistic trade target for the Lakers than Cam Johnson, whom the Nets highly value

“Cam Johnson is another name that comes to mind, but his asking price is kind of tough for the Lakers to match,” Irwin said.

Finney-Smith’s versatility on defense, especially on the perimeter, is what this current Lakers roster lacks since they dumped Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and let Alex Caruso walk.

Jarred Vanderbilt could be that defensive presence for the Lakers, but there is still no timetable for his return from his foot surgery.

Finney-Smith is also a much better offensive player than Vanderbilt, who has a very limited range.

The 6-foot-7 Nets forward is shooting 41% from the 3-point line, making 2.3 3-pointers per game.

A scenario of having Finney-Smith and sharpshooter rookie Dalton Knecht in the Lakers’ starting lineup would open the floor for their stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James.