The Los Angeles Lakers shook things up this weekend when they traded for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, sending away D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks.
Although Lakers fans hope the team does even more in the weeks ahead, most of them were quite happy with this trade.
Magic Johnson was one of the many people celebrating it.
He hopped on X and shared his thoughts about the trade on Sunday morning.
Johnson wrote:
“Laker Nation, I am so excited about the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s an excellent defender and 3-point shooter – just what the Lakers needed!”
Laker Nation, I am so excited about the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s an excellent defender and 3-point shooter – just what the Lakers needed!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 29, 2024
Johnson didn’t mention Milton or the assets the Lakers gave away because he is focused on the trade’s biggest piece: Finney-Smith.
He has been on the radar of several teams for the last few years because of his versatility.
As mentioned by Johnson, he is a great defender but can also shoot the ball very well from beyond the arc.
He has averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds on 45.9 percent from the floor and 43.5 percent from the three-point line this season.
Both for the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith has proven himself as a gifted player on both ends of the court, which is exactly what the Lakers need.
But as promising as this addition is, the team might need to do even more if they wish to be championship contenders.
They still have several draft picks and players they can send to another team in order to score another important player, perhaps a big man who can support Anthony Davis.
If the Lakers commit to even more trades, Johnson and all LA fans will come out to praise them.
NEXT: JJ Redick's Old Comments About Dorian Finney-Smith Have Resurfaced
