(本文发布于12月30日，作者是CBS网站的记者Sam Quinn，文章内容不代表译者观点。)

湖人队在渐进式发展方面并不常见，这支位于好莱坞的球队需要从多个角度考虑问题。每当超级巨星进入交易市场时，总会与湖人产生某种联系，无论这种联系是否真实存在。这一现象背后有其原因：湖人在过去几年中几乎没有缺少过明星球员，他们通常都会拥有两到三名超巨。这归因于洛杉矶丰富的篮球市场和深厚的球队历史，使得许多大牌球员倾向选择加盟湖人。然而，这也导致管理层过分关注重磅交易，而忽视了那些对团队同样重要的小型操作。

詹姆斯-戴维斯时代最大的讽刺之一便是如此。在2020年夺冠之际，是因为一个超级巨星拒绝了他们——莱昂纳德；这为湖人腾出了空间，引入了一些优秀3D侧翼来辅助詹姆斯和戴维斯。但随着冠军光环逐渐消退，湖人的状况又回到了原点，再次开始寻找新星。为了威少，他们用丹尼-格林及首轮签进行了交换，又以库兹马、波普以及另一枚选秀权换来了他。当威少表现不佳时，湖人再次付出另一个首轮签，将拉塞尔变成前全明星控卫德安吉洛·拉塞尔。

这些运作在很多方面都是错误决策，但关键的问题在于，湖人在追求明星与角色球员之间形成了非此即彼的思维。他们尽力寻觅外线火力，却最终引进了一堆后卫。例如，在2021年的休赛期，即使威少被交易离开，他们仍然将剩余薪资投入霍顿-塔克和纳恩等持球手，从而放走卡鲁索。他们始终未能接受两类球员可以共存这一现实。

芬尼-史密斯的加入让情况发生变化，也因此他的转会显得尤为振奋。如今，他成为解放其他队友的重要力量。目前詹姆斯三分命中率达43.5%，虽然个人篮下效率有所下降，但他依旧能够帮助球队创造更多空位机会。而整个赛季以来，对防守负责的大部分任务由戴维斯承担，如今有芬尼·史密斯作为帮手，可以进一步提高护筐范围。此外，就连里夫斯也将在这个过程中受益，由于是第二持球手，自从克里斯蒂打上先发之后，他场均得到20分7助攻，一名新的3D高手无疑将给他带来更大的发挥空间。因此，与其说要通过追求超级明星提升整体实力，不如说是通过迎接这样一位优秀角色玩家，让全体成员都能轻松发挥自己的能力。

尽管当前阵容尚未完美，但各个位置的人才配置已逐步完善，各核心角色基本填补完成。现在，有詹姆斯和里夫森掌握着控场节奏，同时芬尼·史密Smith 和克里스蒂则提供强悍防守，两者皆具备出色投射能力。同时文森特既可担任二号位或三号位，并且具有稳定远投水平，加上凯内基特及八村塁等替补席上的潜力选手，为整支队伍增添不少竞争优势。此外，通过引入身材合适的新援加强篮板保护，也令目前阵容愈加平衡健康.

This balance was achieved at a relatively low cost, as the Lakers acquired Finney-Smith from the Nets for three second-round picks. Some may argue that this limited offer reflects his actual value; however, I remain skeptical. While his defensive performance with Brooklyn didn't match what he showcased in Dallas — largely due to not having elite rim protection behind him like Davis provides now — he's still an effective player whose role is significant within any team's grand vision.

The Lakers also retain their 2029 and 2031 tradeable first-round picks along with a protected pick owed to Utah in 2027 (which will only convey if it’s outside of the top four). In essence, they can temporarily leverage these assets unless triggered by specific protections on draft positions. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding swap rights for their 2026, 2028 and 2030 selections – meaning they still have options available moving forward.

This doesn't imply there's an immediate need for another deal; rather it's indicative of flexibility afforded through salary cap management strategies currently employed by Los Angeles front office executives who realize retaining future assets carries paramount importance given LeBron's advancing age (turning forty soon) - should they wish to circumvent another prolonged rebuilding phase akin to pre-LeBron years post departure next summer when he leaves after fulfilling contract obligations? With Finney-Smith joining ranks opening up new pathways towards improvement opportunities ahead while simultaneously making roster adjustments possible without sacrificing overall competitiveness during transition periods between eras involving star players past prime ages such as LBJ himself!