The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. This move marks a significant shift in the Lakers’ roster as they aim to enhance their performance.
Along with Russell, the Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn on Sunday, indicating a strategic approach to their future.
Russell, who averaged a career-low 12.4 points this season, struggled to find his footing under new head coach JJ Redick. Initially expected to thrive, he was moved from the starting lineup in early November and faced challenges as a reserve, with his shooting percentages dropping compared to his previous seasons with the Lakers.
Dorian Finney-Smith, standing at 6-foot-7, may not be a leading scorer, but he brings valuable skills as a 3-and-D wing, addressing a clear need for the Lakers. With Jarred Vanderbilt sidelined due to injury since February 1, Los Angeles has been searching for reliable wing play and effective defense.
Finney-Smith has averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds this season, showcasing a career-high 43.5% from beyond the arc. Despite recent injuries limiting him to five games this month, he demonstrated his resilience by playing 27 minutes in a recent matchup against San Antonio.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka expressed gratitude towards Russell for his contributions, stating, “We want to thank D’Angelo for his second stint with us, where we celebrated some great moments and accomplishments on the court together.” Pelinka also highlighted the excitement surrounding Finney-Smith’s toughness and shooting ability, as well as Milton’s playmaking skills.
Interestingly, Redick and Finney-Smith share a history as teammates with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2020-21 season, with Redick openly admiring Finney-Smith’s tenacious style of play.
Milton, now joining his sixth NBA team in under two years, has averaged 7.4 points and 2.4 assists as a reserve for the Nets this season, showcasing his adaptability in various roles.
This trade represents the second time Russell has been dealt from the Lakers to the Nets, the first being in 2017 after he was drafted by Los Angeles in 2015. During his previous tenure in Brooklyn, he earned his only All-Star selection.
In the past 7.5 years, Russell has been traded five times, highlighting the volatility of his career. However, he played a crucial role in the Lakers’ journey to the 2023 Western Conference finals, even though he faced challenges during the final playoff series against Denver.
With Russell’s exit, Gabe Vincent stands as the only true point guard remaining in the Lakers’ rotation, although LeBron James frequently takes on the responsibility of initiating their offensive plays.
The Lakers currently hold a record of 18-13, having won five of their last six games, as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on New Year’s Eve.
This trade is part of a broader roster reshaping by the Nets, who previously traded former Lakers point guard Dennis Schröder to Golden State, further altering their team dynamics.
The Nets have struggled offensively this season, ranking among the league’s lowest-scoring teams. Russell’s arrival provides an opportunity for him to make a significant impact as he joins a team in need of offensive firepower, especially as they head into a road game against Orlando.
Russell’s contract, valued at $18.7 million, is set to expire this summer, while Finney-Smith holds a $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, adding another layer of strategy for both franchises.
Maxwell Lewis, the Lakers’ second-round pick in 2023, has seen limited action, appearing in only 41 games over the past two seasons while also spending time in the G League.
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