“Finney-Smith to Lakers idk about that tho,” posted Patrick Beverley, when discussing the recent trade deal between the Lakers and Nets. Despite the Feb deadline quite a few weeks away, the 4-player trade was confirmed on Monday, creating a ruckus in the NBA world. While the LA side walks away with Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, the Nets receive D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and 3 second-round picks. Reportedly looking to rebuild this season, this trade opens the door for the Brooklyn side prominently. Unfortunately, the game result soon after the trade, though, had the Nets head coach not fully satisfied.

After the Nets’ 102-101 loss against the Magic, Jordi Fernandez was asked about Dorian Finney-Smith’s trade, and if there was anything specific he would miss from the player. The HC stated, “Yeah, I’ll miss toughness, leadership, day-to-day happiness, and being about the right things, and all that stuff”. Making a reference to the recent loss, Fernandez even added, “It’s just very simple that if we were to have that maturity and that toughness you know we close this game”.

Woah! Losing by a point may have caused the HC to be candid in his responses, as he continued, “This is a tough one. It hurts for me because I don’t ever want my team to look like this… I’m very disappointed with the effort and the focus and the finish.”

Dorian Finney-Smith’s impact on the Brooklyn Nets was quite noticeable. Not only was he the team’s 4th highest average scorer this season he also made a valuable impression that stemmed from his defensive prowess, and three-point shooting.

As a result, DFS helps to fill an essential need for the Lakers. After all, his on-court skills can help cover for Jarred Vanderbilt, who hasn’t made his season debut yet. The player reportedly developed fluid in his left knee. The same happened during his rehab program after the off-season procedures on both his feet. As a result, Vanderbilt is not expected to start playing until at least early January.

Sending Finney-Smith to the Lakers leaves the Nets with a player like D’Angelo Russell. He’s been struggling this season. By this point, Russell has averaged a career-low 12.4 points, accompanied by only 2.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He has struggled to find his rhythm under the new Lakers boss. As a result, he was moved to a reserve role early in the season. So, can we blame the new Brooklyn Nets head coach for feeling a bit underwhelmed after today’s loss?

“We just needed one more grown-up to bring the guys together and calm everybody down and execute a defensive end and win the game. And it didn’t happen,” said Jordi Fernandez. “So I put that on all the guys on our team that are over 23 years old.”

While one head coach was disappointed, another one may be rejoicing. After all, if history is an indication, then JJ Redick certainly holds some respect for the LA Lakers’ newest acquisition.

JJ Redick’s “how can u not love” tweet about Dorian Finney-Smith resurfaces after big trade deal

Between his player-to-head-coach transition, JJ Redick served as an analyst and podcaster. This allowed him to keep close tabs on the basketball world, even after he retired. One of the stars to come up on his radar, back in 2022, was none other than his ex-teammate, Dorian Finney-Smith. During April of that year, he averaged 12.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 5 regular season games. He remained efficient on the scoring front. His field goal shooting even went to 85.7% in the Nets’ final regular season game.

JJ Redick noticed the uptick and appreciated it. He wrote on X, “How can u not love DFS.”

NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor recently highlighted the tweet on his own feed as the D’Lo trade news was about to start making waves. He endorsed Redick’s praise, writing, “Dorian Finney-Smith 3P% since 2019-20: Season: 37.5% Playoffs: 41.7%,” and “Pretty damn good shooter for 6 years now. Embraces his role on offense. Does everything on defense. Type of player who can fit on any team.”

Currently possessing an 18-13 record, the Los Angeles Lakers can use any help they can get. Whether Dorian Finney-Smith’s contribution can make an impact is something that remains to be seen. Drop your predictions below.