This season, the Lakers' bench averages 24.8 points per game, which is only better than the Knicks' 20.3 points in the league. The lack of offensive firepower from the bench is largely due to the strong offensive performance of the starters, who average 87.2 points per game, second only to the Knicks, Nuggets, Celtics, and Kings. How can the Lakers improve their bench scoring? Currently, the best solution would be to move Reeves back to the bench. On one hand, Reeves can handle the ball and organize the offense; on the other hand, last season when he played off the bench, the Lakers' bench averaged more points than strong teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Celtics. However, with Russell being traded, it's highly unlikely that Reeves will return to the bench. Point One: Development. In the last two games against the Cavaliers and Trail Blazers, Reeves averaged 70 passes, leading the team by a wide margin. It's clear that the Lakers management wants to groom him as the main playmaker. Of course, his average of 10.5 assists in the last two games also shows a certain level of versatility. Point Two: James. With Russell gone and Reeves potentially moving back to the bench, almost all the passing and controlling pressure would fall on James. If he were five years younger, it wouldn't be a problem, but at 40 years old, too much ball handling would definitely be detrimental to conserving energy. When it comes to the Lakers' bench scoring, Knickert is a good choice. Although there are issues with inconsistency,…

In the intricate NBA trade market, where seemingly ordinary transactions can conceal significant implications, the Los Angeles Lakers recently completed a deal with the Brooklyn Nets that has garnered attention. The Lakers acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, while sending out D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks. This trade may not appear groundbreaking at first glance, but upon closer examination, it reveals exciting possibilities. So, why has this trade received widespread attention, and can it help the Lakers return to the top of the competitive Western Conference? Transaction Overview: What Did the Lakers Gain?‌ Let's start by looking at the basic details of the trade. The Lakers parted with D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks (2027, 2030, and 2031). In return, the Nets sent Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to Los Angeles. You might wonder why this trade is noteworthy—after all, the Lakers gave up an established starting guard and some future draft picks for two role players. But what exactly did the Lakers gain? Dorian Finney-Smith: A Shield of Steel on the Perimeter If you're not familiar with Dorian Finney-Smith, you might underestimate the value of this trade. Finney-Smith is an exceptional perimeter defender, standing at 2.01 meters tall, with great defensive versatility and excellent switching ability. Although he averages only 10.6 points per game, his three-point shooting accuracy is an impressive 43.5%, which will undoubtedly provide significant support within the Lakers' offensive system. Imagine Finney-Smith becoming a spot-up shooter under the influence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis,…