“The right move didn’t present itself,” is what the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has been saying since the offseason, after failing to secure a trade. While the Lakers have managed to survive 18 games so far, playing at an acceptable level with the same team for the remaining 64 regular season games and having success at the end of it is a tall task. They would certainly need a trade for that and the right move seems to be just around the corner to ease the pressure from the existing squad.

According to NBA Insider Evan Sidery, Brooklyn has lowered their asking price for Dorian Finney-Smith. The 3-and-D wing is nearing the end of his contract, which includes a player option worth $15.4 million for next season. So, the Nets are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in exchange for the veteran. This certainly comes as good news for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers, who have long had their eyes on the combo forward.

Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints recently mentioned on the Lakers Lounge show, “The Lakers checked in on Dorian Finney-Smith last year and have been in kind of constant contact with the Nets about him.” With his versatility, Finney-Smith could provide the defensive depth the Lakers currently lack. He is averaging 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds so far this season. His 41% shooting rate from beyond the arc also makes him a perfect fit for the squad. Adding him would also make it easier for head coach J. J. Redick to execute his strategies better with a solid roster.

Furthermore, Pelinka has emphasized that the franchise aims to make a trade that leads to “sustainable Laker excellence.” It doesn’t appear that he’s willing to part with too many future assets, so trading for the 31-year-old seems like a reasonable move.

Before coming into the new season, Rob Pelinka told the media during the franchise’s press conference, “We will continue to study and scour the marketplace and if the right move presents itself that leads to long-term Lakers excellence and improving our team this season, we’ll pull the trigger.”

The Purple and Gold have two first-round picks for 2029 and 2031. So trading one for Finney-Smith seems like the ideal option. After all, Pelinka needs a clear plan for success this season. Otherwise, his chances of securing a new contract with the franchise next year could diminish. So in this time of need, not only Finney-Smith, but there is also another candidate who can ease Pelinka’s situation.

Rob Pelinka’s Lakers link up with Nikola Vucevic

There is growing speculation that the Lakers could be targeting Montenegrin talent Nikola Vučević. With his impressive scoring and rebounding skills, the Bulls’ center could boost the Lakers and provide a strong presence off the bench. However, the 34-year-old veteran’s price tag is on the higher end, and his age could also be a potential disadvantage for Pelinka and the LA side.

The People’s Insider, Jake Fischer recently reported, “Vucevic’s $20 million salary, with a third and final season to go at $21.5 million in 2025-26, is far more palatable for teams to absorb.” He further stated, “One GM told me he would put the two-time All-Star’s likely price point in a trade at two second-round picks.”

Despite several linkups during the offseason, the Lakers didn’t make any moves, which brought them under scrutiny. However, making a successful move now could be a win-win situation for the franchise, as Rob Pelinka needs to take off the team’s burden from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But would he be willing to trade future assets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Nikola Vučević, or will the Lakers continue with their current thin roster? Let us know your thoughts.