Lakers coach JJ Redick reveals real reason behind $17,000,000 forward starting over Dorian Finney-Smith with Luka Doncic 

Despite public demand, coach JJ Redick won't start Dorian Finney-Smith over Rui Hachimura as Luka Doncic makes his Lakers debut. The Lakers have glaring defensive holes in their lineup, including Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes.

None of the players are viable options at the point of attack, nor can they limit the bigger wings. Redick still went ahead with choosing Hachimura over Finney-Smith for one key reason after contemplating that decision.

"There was a lot of thought around Doe [Finney-Smith]," Redick told reporters before Monday's game. "But frankly, the way he plays doesn't change whether he comes off the bench or starts and Rui has been fantastic all season long."

Redick's comments suggest he doesn't want to disrupt Rui Hachimura's rhythm as a starter. A change in role potentially impacts the Japanese forward more than Dorian Finney-Smith, who has been heavily impactful in all kinds of roles for the Lakers since joining the team in December via trade.

Hachimura has averaged 13.0 points and 5.2 rebounds, shooting a Lakers career-high 42.7% from 3. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith has averaged 6.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg, shooting 39.3% in a Lakers uniform. He has started five out of 16 times, playing 25.1 minutes per game.

JJ Redick hasn't hesitated to tweak lineups if he sees something isn't working. It is likely that he might eventually replace Hachimura if the defense is not sharp. It has been one of the key reasons behind the Lakers' successful season.

Lakers' JJ Redick's decision to go with Rui Hachimura over Dorian Finney-Smith works out just fine in first game

The LA Lakers dominated in their first game with Luka Doncic without a defensive stalwart in the starting lineup. All five players guarded the Utah Jazz collectively, ensuring the lineup worked out just fine. The Lakers won the game 132-113 with 28 team assists on 50 field goals. All five starters scored 10+ points. Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin also added 10+ points each off the bench.

The Lakers offense displayed high potential with the starting group with Doncic and LeBron James on the floor with Rui Hachimura instead of Dorian Finney-Smith. The Lakers eventually brought DFS in for Jaxson Hayes and the small-ball look also seemed solid.

The Purple and Gold ended Doncic's first game with an incredible 124.5 offensive and 105.6 defensive rating. However, it was a small sample size. The Lakers also went up against a weak opponent that doesn't have many efficient half-court shot-creators.

It will be interesting to see if this offense-heavy lineup can produce the same results against a better offense with more firepower across the board.