Blockbuster Trade: Lakers and Nets Shake Up Rosters
In a move that has sent ripples through the NBA community, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. This trade, confirmed by sources to ESPN on Sunday, is poised to reshape the dynamics of both teams as they navigate the current NBA season.
For those who have followed D’Angelo Russell’s career, this trade marks a homecoming of sorts. Russell, who was the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, is averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 26.3 minutes per game this season. At 28 years old, the point guard returns to the Nets, a team he previously played for during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. It was during his stint with the Nets that Russell earned his only All-Star selection, a testament to his potential and skill on the court.
On the other side of the trade, the Lakers are acquiring a versatile asset in Dorian Finney-Smith. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor, Finney-Smith is shooting a career-high 44% on his 3-point attempts this season. This acquisition not only bolsters the Lakers’ roster but also provides them with significant salary and luxury tax flexibility, saving the team a substantial $15 million.
Finney-Smith, who is 31 years old, is averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds this season for the Nets. He joined the team as part of the Kyrie Irving trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2023. Over his nine NBA seasons, Finney-Smith has averaged 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, making him a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor.
Shake Milton, another key piece in this trade, is averaging 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his first season with the Nets. At 28, Milton brings a blend of scoring and playmaking abilities that could prove valuable for the Lakers as they aim to strengthen their backcourt depth.
For the Nets, this trade is not just about acquiring players but also about securing future assets. By receiving draft capital and clean salaries in return, the Nets are positioning themselves for flexibility in future roster moves and potential rebuilds.
- D’Angelo Russell: Returns to the Nets, averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season.
- Dorian Finney-Smith: Joins the Lakers, shooting a career-high 44% from 3-point range.
- Shake Milton: Adds depth to the Lakers’ backcourt with 7.4 points per game.
- Maxwell Lewis: A young forward with potential, averaging 4.1 minutes in seven games this season.
Maxwell Lewis, a 22-year-old forward taken in the second round of the 2023 draft, has seen limited action this season, averaging 4.1 minutes in seven games. However, his inclusion in the trade package highlights the Nets’ interest in developing young talent as part of their long-term strategy.
As the dust settles on this trade, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact both teams’ performances. Will Russell’s return to Brooklyn reignite his All-Star form? Can Finney-Smith and Milton provide the Lakers with the boost they need to climb the standings? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this trade has set the stage for an exciting second half of the NBA season.
Originally Written by: Shams Charania
