The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines over the weekend with their latest move, trading guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, will also see Lakers teammate Maxwell Lewis head to Brooklyn. The Nets, on the other hand, will trade Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to Los Angeles, alongside three second-round draft picks from the Lakers set to be conveyed in 2027, 2030, and 2031.
This trade is significant not only for the players involved but also for its financial ramifications. Russell, who has struggled to find his role with the Lakers this season, averaged just 12.4 points—a career-low—in 29 games. Under head coach JJ Redick, he had been moved to the bench and utilized largely as a second-unit scorer.
Initially drafted second overall by the Lakers back in 2015, Russell's first stint saw him spend two years with the team before being traded to the Nets. He returned to Los Angeles via trade last February but has found it difficult to replicate his earlier success. This season, his production dwindled, compelling the Lakers to rethink their strategy, especially under the pressure of their current standing as they chase playoff positioning.
Dorian Finney-Smith, the key piece coming back to Los Angeles, has been highly sought after and marks the culmination of the Lakers’ efforts to bolster their roster with reliable talent. Averaging double-digit points for the second consecutive year (10.4 points), Finney-Smith has established himself as one of the league's premier 3-and-D players, demonstrating consistent defensive prowess combined with improved shooting skills. With career-best metrics this season—shooting 43.5% from three-point range—he could provide the Lakers with the depth they desperately need.
Shake Milton also adds valuable scoring ability off the bench. He has averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over the last ten games, indicating his potential to fill the gap left by Russell's departure. These two additions come at an opportune time as the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference with a recent resurgence, having won five of their last six games.
For the Lakers, shedding Russell's $18.7 million expiring contract also has its perks. By reducing their luxury tax bill from $53.2 million to $42 million, the front office has aimed to maintain financial flexibility. With more roster moves possible before the trade deadline, General Manager Rob Pelinka's decision reflects confidence on the part of the organization toward pushing for playoff contention.
Maxwell Lewis, the second-round selection from the 2023 NBA Draft, has seen limited action with the Lakers and is seen as more of a long-term project. The Nets’ decision to acquire him along with Russell and the picks shows their intent to build for the future, as they reshape their squad.
Overall, this marks the second time D'Angelo Russell has made the jump from the Lakers to the Nets, echoing the history of trades between the franchises. Back when he was initially dealt to Brooklyn, the Lakers relinquished Russell and former center Timofey Mozgov for Brook Lopez, which set off the chain of events leading to Russell's development as he earned his first All-Star nod during his time with the Nets.
Russell's recent struggles raise questions about the challenges of maintaining consistency at the professional level, particularly when adjusting to role changes and coaching philosophies. The Lakers’ move demonstrates the quick pace of decisions required at this level, especially when evaluating performance metrics. Placing trust now on Finney-Smith and Milton, this trade could either ignite the Lakers' ambitions or serve as yet another chapter of missed opportunities for Russell as he transitions to Brooklyn and potentially reinvents himself.
Fans and analysts alike are now eager to see how this trade impacts both teams as the season progresses, especially with the trade deadline looming on the horizon.