Lakers Fans Encouraged by Dorian Finney-Smith’s Debut Alongside LeBron James vs. Cavs

Taylyn HadleyJanuary 1, 2025

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers fans are encouraged by what they see from Dorian Finney-Smith in his debut game with the team and LeBron James.

Finney-Smith entered halftime with just two points, shooting 1-of-3, but garnered a +9 while on the court. Despite low scoring, he drew praise from fans for the energy he brought to the floor and his defensive impact.

𖤍 Oblizy 𖤍 @officialoblizyNot a bad half against the Cavs with DFS + Shake. DFS has been very impactful in defense and has majorly great for the team, it’s so obvious. Shake Milton had great minutes with 3/2 for just 5 minutes. Lakers are down 5 heading into the half, open shots just gotta fall and we win

GoldenKnight @GoldenKnightGFXDFS & Milton bringing MUCH NEEDED energy to this squad immediately in this quarter

Dime Dropper @DimeDropperPod1st half thoughts

– fairly pedestrian stuff from AD offensively, should be imposing himself as the best player on the floor

– AR has been everywhere and is keeping lakers in it

– solid stuff from shake & DFS in limited mins

– Cavs are very good

– Rui gotta be better

Daman Rangoola @damanr4 point game, happily take it. Early returns on DFS trade: really intrigued by some of these bigger lineups, and we haven’t even seen Jaxson

Shake Milton, also in his first game with the Lakers, had three points at half in five minutes with two rebounds. Milton and Finney-Smith came to the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade for D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis on Sunday.

James, in his first game as a 40-year-old, recorded 12 points at halftime, adding two rebounds and one block.

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBALakers debut 🔥

Dorian Finney-Smith checks in for the first time in the new threads 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gdP2VxYkee

NBA TV @NBATVWelcome to LA, Dorian Finney-Smith 🫡 pic.twitter.com/J7GjH1l33k

Ahead of his debut with the Lakers, Finney-Smith expressed his excitement about joining the Lakers.

“I’m excited. I’m back to playing some meaningful basketball,” Finney-Smith said, according to Lakers Nation’s Ryan Ward. “It’s been a while, but I’m excited, especially if I can go tomorrow.”

Coming from the 12-20 Nets to join the 2020 NBA Champions is a huge step in the right direction for the 31-year-old, who is more eager than ever to hit the court.

“It’s fun, man. Just the opportunity to play for a championship. Not even just playoffs. In Brooklyn, we were just fighting to get in the playoffs,” Finney-Smith said, per Ward. “Here, we’re trying to win the championship. So it’s a different approach, different energy, all around. It’s tough, especially coming from a place where you don’t know the direction of the direction. And now, I know the direction. Everybody wants to win here. We’re trying to do amazing things here, so I’m excited.”