Pieces are starting to fall into place for the Los Angeles Lakers after trading for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton (as well as the recent news of Jaxon Hayes’ impending return to play), but the remaining question is, how will this move affect their lineups and rotations, exacerbated by the fact that several pieces have improved their play in the last week.
Shortly after the trade, several Lakers writers gave their take on how this will shape the game plans going forward.
How Will The Lakers New Pieces Affect The Starting Lineup?
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers’ recent trade may result in Rui Hachimura moving to a bench role. Hachimura has long been thought of as a tradable asset for the team. This shift could see Max Christie join Finney-Smith in the starting lineup, amping up the team’s defensive capabilities, although the departure of De’Angelo Russell will undoubtedly impact the team’s offensive playmaking.
Christie, despite a somewhat slow start to the season, has recently shown significant growth and emerged as a key contributor to the Lakers’ rotation. Prior to the recent trade, Christie had established himself as a regular starter under head coach JJ Redick.
“I think Max being in the lineup gives us a little more optionality with how we want to match up with teams,” Redick said. “Within the game, not necessarily how we start matchups, but then being able to cross-match
While Finney-Smith’s arrival may alter Christie’s role, his recent performances have solidified his value to the team. His contributions have begun to justify the four-year, $32 million contract he signed with the Lakers during the offseason.
According to The Athletic’s Zach Harper, Finney-Smith will immediately join the starting lineup, while Max Christie returns to a bench role. However, Harper expresses skepticism regarding Shake Milton’s ability to secure a consistent role in the rotation, predicting that Gabe Vincent will likely maintain his position as the primary backup point guard. Vincent has also been reportedly been a trade piece for the Lakers