The Los Angeles Lakers have made strategic moves as the February 6 NBA trade deadline approaches, trading away point guard D'Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers acquired versatile forward Dorian Finney-Smith and shooting guard Shake Milton, significantly altering the makeup of their roster.
Both franchises executed the deal early this February, giving fans and analysts time to absorb the nuances of their exchanges. The overall sentiment surrounding this trade has been positive, with both teams achieving their respective objectives. Analysts have noted, "Both sides achieved what they wanted to achieve," indicating satisfaction with the results on both ends.
Finney-Smith's acquisition is particularly noteworthy for the Lakers, who are led by star players Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Standing at 6-foot-7, he provides both size and skills from the wing position. This season, Finney-Smith is hitting approximately 43.5% of his 3-point shots, making him not only capable on defense but also dependable on offense. His ability to guard multiple positions is anticipated to bolster the Lakers' defense, which had been one of their areas needing improvement.
Milton, the other key player the Lakers obtained, is known for his scoring prowess coming off the bench. His acquisition enables the Lakers to add depth to their bench unit, allowing them options for instant offense when needed. A noted sports analyst remarked, "Finney-Smith fits… as a diverse 6-foot-7 wing-big who can defend at a high level," highlighting how his skills will complement the Lakers' current roster effectively.
On the other hand, the Nets made this trade to gather more draft capital for their rebuilding phase. Russell's contract, worth approximately $18.6 million and set to expire at the end of the season, isn’t considered valuable but offers Brooklyn the chance to navigate through their financial obligations. Analysts pointed out, "Russell as an indirect tank commander could be a low-key shrewd move," implying the forward’s current performance might not necessarily align with winning, thereby helping the Nets position themselves favorably for future drafts.
Since the trade, the Lakers have been performing well, with reports noting they went 8-3 since relocating Max Christie to the starting position. Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times reported the Lakers are now ranked sixth in the league for defensive efficiency. The development of young players like Christie combined with the experienced depth provided by Finney-Smith now makes it less likely the Lakers will pursue trades involving additional centers, such as Jonas Valanciunas or Walker Kessler.
Austin Reaves has stepped up since the trade of Russell, with his usage rate increasing significantly. Reaves stated, "I’m excited… I'm taking on this role on the fly, trading D-Lo, getting more on-ball reps. I’m just gonna learn," showcasing his commitment to growing within the newly configured system.
The Lakers are currently evaluating their roster closely and assessing what contributions they can expect from returning players such as Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt. While the immediate focus has shifted to enhancing their current roster, team insiders suggest they remain open to exploring other deals if opportunities arise.
Overall, the deal has not only improved the Lakers' chances this NBA season but has also set the groundwork for potential future success. Lakers' management appears committed to providing the right players around LeBron and Davis as they push toward what they hope will be another deep playoff run.
The successful navigation of trade conversations and roster adjustments demonstrates the Lakers' desire to balance the present with consideration for the future, maintaining their competitiveness and readiness as they march onward through the rest of the season.