In a stunning turn of events for basketball fans, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant roster change by trading D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets. This trade, which occurred recently, not only sends Russell back to the team he previously played for but also brings two new talents—Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton—into the Lakers’ lineup.
What the Trade Involved
The Lakers parted ways with D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and a trio of second-round draft picks from the years 2027, 2030, and 2031. In exchange, they acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Russell, who averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the season, will start a new chapter back in Brooklyn.
Why Finney-Smith and Milton?
Finney-Smith arrives with impressive stats, having averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds during his time with the Nets. What’s even more exciting is his remarkable shooting ability—he has a career-high shooting percentage of 43.5% from three-point range this season. Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka described Finney-Smith as a player who brings physicality, toughness, and essential shooting skills that can bolster the team’s defense and scoring capacity.
Milton, on the other hand, is considered a strong playmaker. He joins the Lakers after playing for five different NBA teams in the last couple of years. Pelinka has praised Milton’s skills and believes he can add valuable depth to the team’s roster.
Financial Benefits for the Lakers
Aside from the player changes, this trade has financial implications for the Lakers as well. By executing this deal, they free up approximately $15 million, allowing them to maneuver their salary cap more flexibly while moving $3.5 million below the second apron. This financial relief could be pivotal as they aim to remain competitive in the coming seasons.
What This Means for the Nets
On the flip side, the Nets have gained significant draft capital and cleaned up their salary situation, taking on Russell’s expiring contract in the process. With this trade, the Nets now hold an impressive 31 draft picks within the next seven years, providing them with more opportunities for future rebuilding.
Fans React to the Trade
The Lakers’ fanbase has been buzzing with opinions and reactions to this blockbuster trade. Some are optimistic about the fresh talents coming to Los Angeles, while others express nostalgia for Russell’s earlier stint with the Lakers. The addition of Finney-Smith and Milton is seen as a step toward enhancing the team’s defensive strategy and overall gameplay as they strive to compete in the Western Conference.
Looking Forward
As the Lakers integrate Finney-Smith and Milton into their game plan, all eyes will be on how these changes impact their performance moving forward. With LeBron James leading the charge, fans hope that these strategic moves will light up the court and support the Lakers in their quest for another championship.
| Player | Position | Points per Game | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| D’Angelo Russell | Guard | 12.4 | Brooklyn Nets |
| Dorian Finney-Smith | Forward | 10.4 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Shake Milton | Guard | Not Available | Los Angeles Lakers |
In summary, the Los Angeles Lakers have shaken things up in a big way by trading D’Angelo Russell to the Nets and acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. As they look to build a stronger team and make a playoff push, this trade will certainly be one to watch as the season progresses.