The Los Angeles Lakers have executed a trade, sending veteran 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 signifies the end of Russell's challenging second stint with the Lakers, marked by ongoing trade speculation as the team struggled to replicate its previous success in the postseason.
In acquiring Finney-Smith, the Lakers gain a reliable wing player who fits their needs. Although his 3-point shooting has been inconsistent, he is currently hitting 43.5% of his shots from beyond the arc this season. Finney-Smith's performance is particularly impressive given the limited shot-creation opportunities on the Nets, and with LeBron James facilitating, he could find new success reminiscent of his time with Luka Doncic on the Mavericks. Defensively, the 6-foot-7 Finney-Smith provides a strong presence, complementing Max Christie, who has emerged as a starter this season.
On the other hand, Russell returns to Brooklyn, where he previously achieved All-Star status in 2019. He is expected to take over the role vacated by Dennis Schroder, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors. However, Russell's future with the Nets is uncertain, as the team is currently focused on rebuilding and may look to move him again if trade interest arises.
Both teams are expected to remain active in the trade market. The Lakers are in search of a reliable backup center to support Anthony Davis, while the Nets possess other veterans, such as Cam Johnson, who could yield significant returns in future trades. Overall, this trade appears beneficial for both franchises, with the Lakers aiming for contention and the Nets continuing their rebuilding efforts.
