With just two weeks left in the NBA regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a tight battle for home-court advantage. Finishing in the top four of the Western Conference isn’t just about pride—it gives them a smoother path to their first NBA Finals in five years.
To make that happen, head coach JJ Redick needs to refine his lineup. One of the most effective changes he can make? Adjusting the starting five.
Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Jaxson Hayes (the team’s only reliable center) are locked into the starting lineup. That leaves one open spot, which Rui Hachimura has filled all season. But to give the Lakers the best chance of success, it’s time for a switch.
Hachimura recently returned from a knee injury that kept him out for 12 games, and he’s admitted he’s still not at full strength. He hasn’t played more than 30 minutes in a game since his return and has struggled defensively, especially against the Grizzlies.
That’s why Dorian Finney-Smith should take his place since joining the team mid-season, Finney-Smith has been a defensive difference-maker. His ability to guard multiple positions has made a huge impact, and the numbers prove it. When he’s on the floor, the Lakers have a +10.4 net rating—15.1 points per 100 possessions better than when he’s off, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Bringing Hachimura off the bench would also help the offense. He can be a key scorer when LeBron and Luka rest, keeping the second unit productive. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith can take on the toughest defensive matchups from the start, easing the pressure on LeBron and the rest of the team.
It’s unclear if or when Redick will make the change, but with Hachimura still recovering and Finney-Smith thriving, the answer seems clear. The Lakers need every advantage they can get, and starting Finney-Smith could be the key to unlocking their full potential as they push for the playoffs.
Now, it’s up to Redick to make the call.
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