LA Lakers predicted starting lineup after blockbuster trade: $32,000,000 wing likely to make way for Dorian Finney-Smith in starting 5

The LA Lakers made their first big splash of the NBA trade season on Sunday, acquiring two-way forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. The move is projected to bolster the franchise's starting lineup on both ends of the court.

To the surprise of many, LA landed Finney-Smith without surrendering a first-round draft pick. Instead, it sent out sixth man D'Angelo Russell, sophomore wing Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round picks. The deal also netted the team guard Shake Milton, who could replace some of Russell's shooting and playmaking off the pine.

While Finney-Smith may not start off the bat, it will likely be difficult for Lakers coach JJ Redick to keep him out of his first unit. Through 20 outings, the nine-year veteran is shooting a career-high 43.5% from 3-point range on 5.4 attempts per game. Conversely, LA ranks just 27th in the NBA in triples per game (11.8).

Meanwhile, Finney-Smith is one of the league's most versatile defenders. Per Second Spectrum, he is "the only player in the NBA this season to defend all five positions for at least 15 halfcourt matchups per game." Thus, he should help the Lakers improve their subpar No. 21-ranked defensive rating (114.9).

Given Finney-Smith's elite 3-and-D skill set, he should be a strong fit alongside LA's superstar duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, it's unclear if he will replace forward Rui Hachimura or third-year wing Max Christie as a starter.

Hachimura has started in all 26 of his appearances this season. Meanwhile, Christie, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract over the offseason, has started in nine of 30 outings. So, Christie appears to be the logical choice to head to the bench in favor of Finney-Smith. If so, the Lakers' new opening lineup should be as follows:

PG: Austin Reaves

SG: LeBron James

SF: Dorian Finney-Smith

PF: Rui Hachimura

C: Anthony Davis

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Rob Pelinka on what Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton bring to the table for Lakers

Upon landing Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, LA general manager Rob Pelinka underscored his excitement to fortify his squad's versatility. He added that he highly anticipates seeing the duo suit up for the Purple and Gold.

"With this trade, we are thrilled to add the physicality, toughness and elite shooting that Dorian Finney-Smith will bring to our core," Pelinka said. "We also greatly value the playmaking of Shake Milton. We are excited for our fans to get both of these players out on the court."

The Lakers (18-13) next host the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers (27-4) on Tuesday. So, Finney-Smith's multi-positional defense will likely be vital during his expected debut.

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