As we've all seen by now, the Lakers have traded for Dorian Finney-Smith. The current question going around is who won the trade !??
To me the only way the Lakers have "won" this trade is if they do another trade before the deadline comes to an end.
As is, the Lakers roster still has some missing pieces ๐งฉ talent wise. One of those being the center position. Jonas has been linked to the Lakers since the off-season and continues to be rumored to the Lakers ever since he signed with the Wizards.
Since the most recent trade with the Nets, the Lakers have gotten extremely thin at the PG position. 6'4 Point Guard Malcom Brogdon has been extremely efficient his entire career averaging 46% from the field and 39% from the 3.
These last 3 seasons since being traded from the Pacers, Malcom has accepted the 6th man role off the bench with open arms as he won 'The 6th man of the year' award in 2023. That being said Malcom has become very selfless and would accept any role the Lakers would give him.
Why would the Los Angeles Lakers ๐ do this !??
(Lakers pick is a Top 3 Protected)
They're thin at the Center position and Jonas is a very versatile big allowing himself to open the floor with AD as he can shoot the 3 ball ๐คฏ
Jonas is known for his rebounding skills, while the Lakers currently rank 27th in rebounding this season...
Gabe Vincent has been a huge disappointment ๐ since signing with the Lakers and is a name to watch with the deadline approaching
Since trading Dlo the Point Guard position is almost non existent with Shake Milton and Reaves practically being the only ones to fill in
Malcom Brogdon is the epitome of consistency as he's very efficient no matter what team he's on โ ๏ธ
Malcom Brogdon is also a very team friendly player as he's averaged a season with 7.1 assists and always looks to make the smartest play ๐ก
What would the potential Lakers starting lineup be !??
Malcom, AR, Bron, Rui, AD
With the likes of Shake, Dalton, Reddish, Finney, Jonas on the bench
Why would the Washington Wizards ๐งโโ๏ธ do this !????
Max Christie whose only 21 has shown tons of potential as of late shooting 44% from the field and 36% from 3 with 22 mpg this season and 3 games in a row with 16 points or more ๐จ
They need defense ๐ ranking 29th in defensive rating and Jarred Vanderbilt is only 25 fitting the Wizards time-line. Jarred is also on a very team friendly deal being just under 11m per year.
By 2029 Lakers won't have LeBron, Jonas, Finney or Malcom Brogdon so they should have a very depleted team leaving the Wizards with a very open opportunity to capitalize on a great pick in the first round ๐ซฃ
What do you think !?? Would this trade make the Los Angeles Lakers a championship ๐ level team !?
Let me know in the comments down below ๐ฌ and make sure to leave a like ๐