The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this weekend by trading guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, during what was already shaping up to be a transformative season.
On December 29, ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news, stating, "The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a trade sending D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN." This move marks another chapter for Russell, who has had two stints with the Lakers, which includes becoming the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
Russell's return to the Nets is noteworthy as it recalls his performances when he made his mark, particularly during the 2018-19 season when he earned his only All-Star selection. His time with the Lakers saw him experiencing ups and downs but he remains a skilled player, averaging 12.4 points and 4.7 assists this season. Despite these stats, inconsistency led to his eventual trade.
What the Lakers really needed was depth and versatility to bolster their lineup—and they may have found just the right player in Dorian Finney-Smith. Known for being the quintessential 3-and-D player, Finney-Smith has been carving out his niche this season, currently shooting 43.5% from three-point range and averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds.
Indeed, Charania noted the importance of this new addition, stating, "L.A. also creates salary and luxury tax flexibility, saving $15 million." This financial cushion will be invaluable for the Lakers’ future maneuvers as they look to strengthen their roster even more.
Shake Milton, the other player acquired from Brooklyn, adds depth to the guard position as well. Averaging 7.4 points this season, Milton can provide much-needed support as the Lakers continue to develop their rotation.
Overall, the trade signals the Lakers' persistent push to upgrade their roster, especially with stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge. Russell's departure frees up space for the Lakers to utilize talents like Austin Reaves, who recently showcased his potential by dishing out 16 assists against the Sacramento Kings—a career high for him.
For the Nets, the acquisition of Russell may serve dual purposes. There is speculation over whether he will be retained or bought out, as they shift gears toward rebuilding. Regardless, his presence adds considerable talent to their backcourt, especially following the recent departure of Dennis Schroder.
The shifting dynamics of both teams pose interesting questions about their directions moving forward. What is clear is the Lakers are serious about optimizing their roster, and Russell has found himself at the center of this transition.
This trade not only shakes up the immediate future for these teams but offers reflections on how each franchise views its roster and the evolution of its star players as the season progresses.