Even though the Los Angeles Lakers lost the last game of the calendar year, there were a lot of positives. The two new arrivals, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, made their debuts. In the first look, without much time together, they lost to the Cavaliers by 12 points. However, in each quarter, the game remained close. Likewise, Anthony Davis isn’t discouraged by the loss. Rather, he feels with more interaction together, the Lakers can be in a great spot.

Currently, the seventh seed in the West, the Lakers have found themselves inconsistent. However, even though they faced a loss with the new-looking team, Davis is “not disappointed where we are right now”. It’s simply because the enforcer saw some encouraging signs with the two new Laker additions. And he thinks all the team needs to find the perfect symphony is time.

“We got some new additions with Dodo and Shake. Got to get some practice time to get them more acclimated with what we do and got to put them into our system. But I like the looks they got tonight. But I think we can definitely be better both ends of the floor,” AD said after the game.

The Lakers’ hub strongly feels that both Milton and Finney-Smith can contribute vastly to the Lakers’ improvement on both sides. In particular, with their defense being a weakness this year, he is in awe of the former Nets forward’s abilities. “You know Do had some wide-open looks that he is going to make. He really good defensively for our schemes and what we can do. Can guard one to five so it’s a lot we can do defensively,” Davis said about his new teammate.

The ask is for patience from the Laker Nation, which Anthony Davis feels will pay its dividend. “You know time definitely will help with the transition to put them into our system, but they are pros. They’ve been in the league enough. They can adjust,” said the 31-year-old.

Dorian Finney-Smith resonates with Anthony Davis

Arriving from the Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith provided something new in his first game. He’s now getting clean looks with the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis pulling defenses. And while he didn’t make his two attempts from beyond the arc, DFS is shooting over 40% from three this season.

Hence, he isn’t all that worried about his offensive contributions.

But, a large reason for his arrival is his defensive versatility. Finney-Smith boasts a unique ability to guard all positions. Even with the Cavaliers’ offense running hot, in the 20 minutes the veteran forward was on the floor, the Lakers outscored them by seven points, although he only scored 2 points. Plus, he feels one way the Lakers’ defense can improve is by playing for one another.

“We got to do a better job of helping AD if we expect him to step up. You know everybody got to help each other. You know that’s what defense is. It’s a five-man defensive game, and it’s just not just one person guarding one person,” Finney-Smith shared his ideologies after the game.

Aside from his individual efforts, Finney-Smith’s wisdom could influence the Lakers ‘ defense tremendously. It’s surely something JJ Redick will count on as he tries to integrate the former Nets forward into his game plan. With continuity, the 31-year-old will continue to grow in confidence and have a much larger role to play.

Do you think Dorian Finney-Smith should be starting for the Lakers or is a bench role apt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.