The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move to bolster their roster ahead of the playoffs. The team traded away point guard D’Angelo Russell, along with Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, and 2031), to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and shooting guard Shake Milton.
While both teams emerged from the trade looking relatively good, it’s clear that the Lakers needed a legitimate weapon around their star duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Finney-Smith fits the bill as a versatile 6-foot-7 wing-big who can defend at a high level and connect on a high percentage of his three-point attempts.
At 31, Finney-Smith has been an efficient scorer, hitting 43.5% of his five-point-three-point attempts per game. His defensive skills, which include covering multiple positions, are also valuable assets for the Lakers.
The trade was necessary for the Lakers, as Russell’s defense had been problematic, and his offense decision-making never meshed with new head coach JJ Redick. The team’s roster was also lacking a two-way player who could contribute on both ends of the court, making Finney-Smith an ideal addition.
In contrast, the Nets are acquiring Russell’s expiring contract, which has little trade value due to his poor play this season. However, the move may prove shrewd in the long run, as Russell’s lack of efficiency and defensive limitations could be a low-key “tank” strategy for Brooklyn, allowing them to gain an advantage in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Overall, both teams made smart moves in the trade, with the Lakers addressing their need for a two-way player and the Nets acquiring a expiring contract with potential long-term benefits.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/what-does-trading-dangelo-russell-mean-for-the-lakers-051656436.html