[Stein] The Lakers didn't just beat out the Grizzlies in the Finney-Smith race. They surprised many league observers who, in recent days, were expecting the Lakers to chase after a different veteran twosome: Washington's Jonas Valančiūnas and Malcolm Brogdon.
Finney-Smith obviously can't provide the bulk, screening and frontcourt know-how that Valančiūnas offers, but he is a highly regarded multi-positional defender shooting a career-high 43.5% from 3-point range this season.
"I like the combo of Finney-Smith and Milton better for the Lakers than the two Washington guys," said one longtime NBA personnel evaluator.
It's a much more affordable combination, too. Finney-Smith and Milton make less than $18 million combined this season — compared to nearly $33 million for the Washington duo — and have helped the Lakers move more than $3 million away from the second luxury tax apron they were pressed up against so closely.