Lakers Trade D’Angelo Russell to Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton
The Los Angeles Lakers have traded point guard D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for wing Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. This move ends Russell’s second stint with the Lakers, which was marred by trade rumors and struggles to match the success of the 2023 Western Conference finals run.
Finney-Smith: A Key Addition for Lakers’ Needs
In Finney-Smith, the Lakers land a versatile 3-and-D wing player who fits their roster perfectly. Though his 3-point shooting has been somewhat inconsistent, Finney-Smith is currently hitting 43.5% of his attempts this season, which is impressive given the limited shot-creation around him in Brooklyn. With LeBron James setting him up, Finney-Smith could thrive similarly to how he did with Luka Doncic on the Dallas Mavericks.
Defensively, Finney-Smith is a tough 6-foot-7 wing who brings length and versatility. While not as quick as he once was, his defensive ability will pair well with Max Christie, the Lakers’ rising star who is now 7-2 as a starter this season. The two will form a strong supporting wing duo alongside LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, giving the Lakers a deeper, more versatile lineup.
D’Angelo Russell’s Return to Brooklyn
For Russell, this trade marks a return to Brooklyn, where he was an All-Star in 2019. He is expected to fill the veteran point guard role vacated by Dennis Schroder, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors. However, Russell’s future in Brooklyn remains uncertain, as the team is focused on a rebuild. The Nets are hoping to position themselves for the future, and Russell’s role could change depending on their needs and future trade opportunities.
Ongoing Plans for Both Teams
This deal is a step forward for the Lakers as they continue their pursuit of a championship, adding a key defensive player and a much-needed 3-and-D wing. Meanwhile, the Nets maintain their rebuilding efforts, offloading veterans like Schroder and focusing on future assets.
Both teams will likely remain active in the trade market. The Lakers continue to search for a true backup center to support Davis, while the Nets still have valuable assets like Cam Johnson that could be moved in the future. For now, the trade represents a logical move for both teams: the Lakers strengthen their contention chances, while the Nets stay committed to their long-term goals.
