The Los Angeles Lakers have completed a significant trade, sending point guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. This move was highlighted by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Finney-Smith’s arrival addresses the Lakers’ need for improved shooting and defense on the perimeter. The seasoned player is currently averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while enjoying a career-best shooting percentage of 44% from beyond the arc. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Russell has struggled in his second tenure with Los Angeles, posting a career-low average of 12.4 points and 4.7 assists this season while shooting only 33% on three-pointers. Returning to Brooklyn where he previously earned All-Star honors, he will be taking over the role vacated by Dennis Schröder, who was recently traded to the Golden State Warriors.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick had recently shifted Russell to a bench role, aiming to utilize him for scoring and playmaking. However, his defensive lapses led to increased playing time for Max Christie, who has been impressively averaging 16.3 points and 1.3 steals over his last three games.
Russell, now 28 years old, is in the final year of his $18.7 million contract after being originally drafted by the Lakers as the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Finney-Smith, 31, has a salary of $14.9 million with a player option for next season.
Milton, who is also joining the Lakers, is expected to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities and add playmaking depth to the second unit. He has recently stepped up in the Nets’ starting lineup, scoring a total of 36 points in the last two games and averaging 7.4 points and 2.4 assists for the season.
Moreover, the trade includes second-year reserve forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks for 2027, 2030, and 2031. This adds to Brooklyn’s impressive draft capital, giving them 31 total picks over the next seven years alongside $60 million in cap space heading into the offseason.
This trade represents a strategic move for both franchises, each looking to retool and position themselves for future success. As changes unfold in the roster dynamics, fans will be eager to see how these new additions make an impact on both the Lakers and the Nets this season.