The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a disappointing defeat to the San Antonio Spurs, and forward Dorian Finney-Smith was quick to shoulder part of the blame. In the post-game interview, Finney-Smith expressed his frustration with the team’s defensive lapses, specifically their inability to limit the Spurs’ three-point shooting. He emphasized the need for stronger communication and better use of their defensive anchor, Anthony Davis, to force opponents away from the perimeter.
This loss comes at a crucial point for the Lakers, as they struggle to find consistency in a season plagued by injuries to key players like Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood. Despite this, Finney-Smith’s recent performances have been a bright spot, as he has adapted to his role as a reliable three-and-D contributor. His shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, has provided a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ struggling offense.
Finney-Smith acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to a new team but remains committed to improving his chemistry with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He highlighted his experience playing alongside elite playmakers as an asset, allowing him to make the most of scoring opportunities off ball movement.
The Spurs capitalized on the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities, shooting over 50% from three-point range. Finney-Smith stressed that the team needs to clamp down on perimeter defense, urging teammates to take more aggressive stances against ball-handlers and limit open looks.
Despite the loss, Anthony Davis expressed confidence in Finney-Smith’s potential to elevate the Lakers’ defensive and offensive capabilities. Davis noted that as Finney-Smith becomes more comfortable, his impact on both ends of the floor will significantly enhance the team’s performance.
With the season in full swing, the Lakers are focused on addressing their shortcomings while leveraging the strengths of new acquisitions like Finney-Smith. His accountability and determination to improve could serve as a turning point for the team as they aim to regain their winning form.
