NBA Rumors: The player Lakers are going after after acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith

Dorian Finney-Smith has long been one of the targets of Los Angeles Lakers GM, Rob Pelinka, and he should fit perfectly into the team's starting lineup, although it is expected that he will come off the bench in the first few games. Acquiring a 3&D small forward was one of the plans for the California franchise heading into the Trade Deadline, and they have achieved it with a good trade for them.

The Lakers have not finished their work; they still want a big man to pair with Anthony Davis, but it appears they will be patient for a few weeks and let the dust settle before making another move. The Lakers want to see what they have. With Finney-Smith in the mix and hoping that Jarred Vanderbilt returns soon from his injury, the Lakers should have an improved defense and depth.

That being said, Jonas Valanciunas is still there as a center who can open up space, and they can acquire him without giving up a first-round Draft pick, according to reports. But the Lakers could also wait to see what happens with Walker Kessler, who would cost them more than Valanciunas but is younger, and Robert Williams III with the perennial issue of health.

With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching slowly, rumors and talks continue to revolve around the Utah Jazz and their plans leading up to the anticipated date of February 6.

However, while the Jazz are expected to stay busy before the Trade Deadline receiving calls and listening to offers from rival GMs, it appears that Utah was close to making a major deal earlier this offseason with the Los Angeles Lakers involving one of their key young players, but ultimately turned down the opportunity.

According to a report by Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Jazz were "pretty close" to a deal during the offseason to send Kessler to the Lakers, although they ultimately chose not to send the third-year player to Los Angeles.

"Speaking of Kessler, sources say the Lakers and the Jazz were pretty close to a deal over the summer, but discussions this year have been pretty inconsistent," Irwin said. "One issue Utah has pointed out is that sending Kessler to pair with Davis would enhance the Lakers' front line not only this year but, more importantly, in the future. Utah has the Lakers' 2027 protected first-round pick. Danny Ainge has expressed concerns about Kessler preventing the Lakers from bottoming out as Davis ages and LeBron James retires."

The Confirmation of Walker Kessler

Kessler is having a strong third year for the Jazz despite the team's struggles in the Western Conference standings. He has averaged 10.4 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 70.9% from the field in 25 games, starting in all of them.

After this season when questions arose about whether the young Jazz player would fit into the franchise's long-term rebuilding process, Kessler has clearly established himself in Utah's future, showcasing development and key improvement with his defensive impact, ability to be an offensive threat from the perimeter, and showing an overall increase in confidence earlier this year.

While the Lakers could benefit from an extra big man to give Anthony Davis rest in the rotation, it does not make practical sense for the Jazz to trade Kessler unless they received a very attractive offer or he was struggling to meet Utah's expectations, neither of which seems to have occurred.

Things could change from the Jazz's perspective if the Lakers offered an additional Draft round, such as their unprotected first-round picks in 2029 or 2031, but it is unclear if Los Angeles would be willing to part with such top-level assets for Kessler's services. Another interior presence and a defensive-minded player to place behind or next to Davis are appealing. However, a high price tag may be necessary to pry him away from the Jazz, especially when dealing with an executive like Danny Ainge.

There is time for the Jazz to listen to offers and remain opportunistic if the right move comes along, but with just over a month left until the deadline, we have not seen that happen with Kessler, nor with any of the other assets of the team that could be on the move.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: El jugador a por el que van los Lakers tras hacerse con Dorian Finney-Smith