"A player who can fit on any team" - JJ Redick once praised Dorian Finney-Smith's versatility as a player

The LA Lakers have finally made their midseason move and picked up Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. The 31-year-old joined the Lakers as part of a trade that sent D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second round picks to the Nets. Shake Milton also shipped to the LA.

JJ Redick, the Lakers coach, previously spoke of his admiration for Finney-Smith's game and will be thrilled to have the veteran forward onboard.

Finney-Smith is capable of contributing to various facets of the game. He can score, dribble, pass, and defend at a high level. Redick knows Finney-Smith from his days in the NBA and understands what the former SEC star offers the Lakers. Speaking on "The Old Man and the Three" podcast, Redick once touched on Finney-Smith's unique skillset and praised the NBA star for his versatility.

"The one guy I just got to shout out cause I love watching him play, and I've played against him now for a few years. He does so many things that don't show up in a box score and that's Dorian Finney-Smith," Redick said. "He's just an awesome player. He's a player who can fit on any team in the NBA."

Redick and Finney-Smith previously played together with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2020-21 season and are familiar with each other's game.

Redick was assigned his first-ever head coaching job earlier this year and is working hard to put together a championship team. The Lakers drafted forward Dalton Knecht and guard Bronny James in 2024, and the addition of Finney-Smith will provide some much-needed depth to the roster.

Finney-Smith is entering his 11th season in the NBA. He has played 548 regular season games with Dallas and Brooklyn and will be looking to make an impact with the Lakers as they gear for a playoff run.

LA Lakers put up solid package to secure Dorian Finney-Smith despite interest from rival

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. defends at FedExForum. (Photo Credit: Imagn)

After a quiet offseason where they failed to acquire a big-name player, the Lakers were eager to add some depth to the lineup. The addition of Finney-Smith provided a significant boost, but LA has to battle at least one other Western Conference team.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Memphis Grizzlies were also interested in a trade for Finney-Smith.

Last season, Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.