How Much Better are the Lakers After the Finney-Smith Deal? Will D'Angelo Russell Be Missed?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Nobody thinks the weekend deal bringing Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to Los Angeles makes the Lakers title favorites, or even places them among the most elite teams in the NBA.

The Cavs, occupants of that elite space, made the distinction clear on New Year's Eve.

But how much does the trade improve the team, and their chances of a better record in the regular season? Of a higher seed in the Western Conference? If that's the question, the impact could be significant. There is a huge difference between fighting just to make it into the top 10, and trying to slide into the top 6 to avoid the play-in altogether. What about the difference between avoiding the play-in and earning home court for the first round of the playoffs?

It's pretty clear the Lakers won't be catching Oklahoma City at the top of the conference. Houston and Memphis would likely have to fall off in a big way to be caught from behind by the Lakers. But as games close on Wednesday, the gap between the Nuggets at the 4-seed and Golden State in 10th is three games. The Lakers, at seven, are one game behind Denver. In a conference race this close, a trade that makes the team one or two games better could have a profound impact on their seed, and the entry path into the playoffs. A top-6 finish becomes a stronger possibility. A top four finish isn't out of the question (especially with Luka Doncic expected to miss extended time for the Mavs).

All of this is to say that the margins matter. Incremental improvements are critical, because that one bold move that would make the Lakers instant contenders likely doesn't exist.

None of this will comfort fans who expect only titles, and see no value in competing with a roster that won't eventually lead to one. But for others, fans who are a bit more realistic and want to see the Lakers playing meaningful games in April and May, even if June feels like a long shot, the trade has the potential to be positive.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers need Shake Milton, too.

SEGMENT 2: What's the new upside?

SEGMENT 3: Is there a new focus for anger and ire now that D'Angelo Russell is gone?

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