Patrick Beverley, though no longer an NBA player, remains an influential voice in basketball discussions. Recently, he commented on the Los Angeles Lakers' acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, a move that has garnered mixed reactions. The trade involved sending D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to Brooklyn. While many analysts have praised the Lakers for securing a versatile player like Finney-Smith, Beverley expressed skepticism regarding the trade, particularly focusing on Russell's return to the Nets.
D'Angelo Russell, a former No. 2 overall pick, previously thrived in Brooklyn, even earning an All-Star selection in 2019. His return comes at a time when the Nets are undergoing a rebuilding phase, raising questions about the longevity of his stay with the franchise, especially considering he is on an expiring contract. Beverley believes that while the Lakers' addition of Finney-Smith may not be perfect, he possesses valuable skills that could complement the team's superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
This season, Finney-Smith has demonstrated his shooting prowess, boasting an impressive 43.5% accuracy from three-point range on over five attempts per game. If he can sustain this level of performance, he could significantly enhance the Lakers' offensive dynamics. Meanwhile, Beverley continues to pursue his professional basketball career abroad after stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks last season.
