Dorian Finney-Smith has already started mentoring Max Christie

Despite being on the Lakers for only a week, Dorian Finney-Smith is already offering up advice to Max Christie.

Dorian Finney-Smith’s addition to the Lakers roster was such a boost to the team on the court that one of the complementary aspects of him being on the roster slid under the radar.

As one of the most prototypical 3-and-D wings in the NBA, DFS has a lot of knowledge to share on how to excel in the modern NBA. The Lakers have a young 3-and-D player of their own in Max Christie with plenty to still learn.

Adding DFS to the roster, then, could offer Max the opportunity to learn. Fortunately for him and the Lakers, DFS looks ready to teach, too.

After the team’s win over the Hawks on Friday, DFS was asked about Christie and spoke about already offering him advice and encouragement.

“Since I’ve been here, Max’s been terrific on the defensive end, bringing a lot of energy,” Finney-Smith said. “So when I come in, I just try to match his energy. I told him I’ve been in his shoes before. Sometimes you play defense all day and you might not get a shot. A lot of people don’t keep their intensity when they ain’t getting the ball. I just try to preach it to them that I’ve been there before and that’s what made me valuable in this league.”

We’ve seen the steps Christie has taken this season already to become a vital piece of the starting lineup. The more growth he has, the better it is for the Lakers both in the short and long term.

It’s also been some time since the Lakers have had as many good wing defenders as this team has. Between Christie, DFS and the (hopefully) looming return of Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers have multiple bodies they can throw at teams now.

The benefits of acquiring DFS are plentiful and the Lakers are already reaping the benefits both on and off the court.

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