3 potential targets the Lakers should focus on following Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton trade

The LA Lakers bolstered their wing depth on Sunday, landing two-way forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets while maintaining future flexibility. The move seemingly set the stage for the organization to continue rounding out its roster ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.

LA shipped sixth man D'Angelo Russell, sophomore wing Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round draft picks to Brooklyn. In exchange, it received Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton.

An elite 43.5% 3-point shooter and multi-positional defender, Finney-Smith is projected to complement the Lakers' veteran core headlined by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The team is converting the NBA's fourth-fewest 3s per game (11.8) and is positioned 21st in defensive rating (114.9).

However, the Lakers still have other areas for improvement, including rebounding and rim protection. They rank just 27th in rebounds per game (41.2) and 18th in blocks per game (4.9), with Davis doing most of the heavy lifting.

Moreover, while Milton could be a serviceable rotation piece, LA will likely be in the market for more proven guard depth to replace Russell off the bench. So, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka could opt to cash in on his team's remaining future draft capital and midtier contracts.

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3 players Lakers could target post-Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton deal

#3 Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (Image Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

One frontcourt player the Lakers have been connected to is Utah Jazz third-year big man Walker Kessler, one of the NBA's top rebounders and shot blockers.

Through 24 outings, Kessler ranks second in blocks (2.8 bpg) and seventh in rebounding (10.9 rpg), shooting 69.7%. Meanwhile, he is still on his rookie contract, making $2.97 million this season.

Utah has reportedly turned down "multiple" offers for Kessler. However, with the team sitting in the league's bottom five (7-23), it may part with him for the right price, including a pair of LA's future firsts.

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#2 Bruce Brown

Toronto Raptors wing Bruce Brown (Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Toronto Raptors wing Bruce Brown made his season debut on Sunday after rehabilitating from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. On an expiring $23 million contract, the versatile seven-year veteran has been heavily involved in trade rumors since last season.

Brown proved he could be a valuable piece on a championship squad during the Denver Nuggets' 2023 title run. His ability to defend, initiate offense and finish off cuts would likely be a welcome addition to Lakers coach JJ Redick's offensive system. Meanwhile, LA likely wouldn't have to give up extensive draft capital to secure his services.

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#1 Collin Sexton

Utah Jazz combo guard Collin Sexton (Image Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images)

Another Jazz player the Lakers could target is combo guard Collin Sexton, who could slot into D'Angelo Russell's sixth-man role.

Through 30 appearances, the seven-year veteran is averaging 17.3 points, 3.8 assists and 1.9 triples per game, shooting 48.4% and 43.6% from deep.

Making $18.4 million this season, Sexton marks a reasonable midtier trade target who could provide the Lakers with efficient scoring and playmaking off the pine.

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