On December 29, 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers shook up their roster with a trade sending veteran point guard D'Angelo Russell, young forward Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers acquired 3-and-D standout Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton, marking the return of Russell to the Brooklyn team he was part of during the 2017-19 seasons.
This trade has been reported by ESPN and confirmed by multiple sources, illustrating the Lakers’ strategy to bolster their roster as they aim to improve upon their early season performance, where they posted an impressive 18-13 record and were positioned fifth in the Western Conference.
Russell, who averaged 12.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds this season, returns to the Nets where he had previously enjoyed the best years of his career, culminating in an All-Star selection during the 2018-19 season. With Russell moving back to Brooklyn, he is expected to fill the gap left by Dennis Schroder, who was recently traded to the Gold State Warriors.
On the other hand, the Lakers welcomed Dorian Finney-Smith, known for his defensive skills and shooting efficiency. At 31 years old, Finney-Smith is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with shooting splits of 43.5% from three-point range. This performance is particularly notable as he played for the Nets, where shot creation opportunities were limited. His versatility coupled with the presence of stars like LeBron James is poised to create significant opportunities for Finney-Smith to shine.
Shake Milton, 28, contributes additional backcourt depth as well. While he averaged 7.4 points and 2.4 assists this season for the Nets, his role is perceived as flexible, potentially benefiting from the Lakers’ current roster dynamics.
Both teams have found advantages within this trade. For the Lakers, this move allows for greater roster flexibility and savings on salary and luxury taxes. By sending out Russell and his expiring contract, Los Angeles has created approximately $15 million of flexibility, dropping below the second apron, which impacts their future trading strategies.
The Nets, meanwhile, benefit from adding more draft picks to their growing collection of future assets. Following this season, they will have accumulated 31 draft picks across the next seven years, consisting of 15 first-round and 16 second-round selections, providing considerable leverage for future trades as they continue to rebuild their franchise.
Before this trade, the Lakers had been actively exploring trade options amid persistent rumors. They had been linked to several names, with the front office reportedly seeking to address depth concerns, particularly on the wing. The acquisition of Finney-Smith aligns with reports of Laker coach JJ Redick prioritizing positional versatility and toughness.
Russell’s tumultuous second tenure with the Lakers has included incessant trade rumors and speculation about his fit within the team. After being traded from the Lakers to the Nets back in 2017, Russell’s career has seen him move between several teams, establishing him as a notable player within the league. This time around, his return to Brooklyn suggests the Nets are taking calculated risks with veteran talent to balance their young roster.
Beyond player performance, the trade encapsulates both teams’ broader strategies. The Lakers are aiming to solidify their playoff contention as they attempt to replicate their success from the 2023 Western Conference finals. Meanwhile, the Nets are clearly focused on asset accumulation, positioning themselves for potential trade options moving forward, including the possibility of dealing other roster players like Cam Johnson.
With both teams making significant moves, the NBA trade season continues to heat up. It remains to be seen how these changes will influence the second half of the season as teams adjust to new dynamics and pursue their respective goals.