Lakers Fans Encouraged by Dorian Finney-Smith's Debut Alongside LeBron James vs. Cavs

Los Angeles Lakers fans are encouraged by what they see from Dorian Finney-Smith in his debut game with the team and LeBron James.

Finney-Smith entered halftime with just two points, shooting 1-of-3, but garnered a +9 while on the court. Despite low scoring, he drew praise from fans for the energy he brought to the floor and his defensive impact.

Shake Milton, also in his first game with the Lakers, had three points at half in five minutes with two rebounds. Milton and Finney-Smith came to the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade for D'Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis on Sunday.

James, in his first game as a 40-year-old, recorded 12 points at halftime, adding two rebounds and one block.

Ahead of his debut with the Lakers, Finney-Smith expressed his excitement about joining the Lakers.

"I'm excited. I'm back to playing some meaningful basketball," Finney-Smith said, according to Lakers Nation's Ryan Ward. "It's been a while, but I'm excited, especially if I can go tomorrow."

Coming from the 12-20 Nets to join the 2020 NBA Champions is a huge step in the right direction for the 31-year-old, who is more eager than ever to hit the court.

"It's fun, man. Just the opportunity to play for a championship. Not even just playoffs. In Brooklyn, we were just fighting to get in the playoffs," Finney-Smith said, per Ward. "Here, we're trying to win the championship. So it's a different approach, different energy, all around. It's tough, especially coming from a place where you don't know the direction of the direction. And now, I know the direction. Everybody wants to win here. We're trying to do amazing things here, so I'm excited."