The Lakers’ trade for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks is a calculated move to address specific roster needs. Here’s a breakdown of the trade and its implications:
For the Lakers
1. Dorian Finney-Smith: Defensive Stability and Shooting
– Perimeter Defense: Finney-Smith is a proven 3-and-D wing, capable of guarding multiple positions. His defensive versatility will be crucial in matchups against Western Conference stars like Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, and Jamal Murray.
– Improved Shooting: With a career-high 43.5% from three this season, he adds much-needed floor spacing to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
2. Shake Milton: Bench Playmaking
– Milton provides depth and flexibility in the backcourt. As a combo guard, he can handle secondary playmaking duties while offering scoring off the bench.
– His ability to create his own shot and facilitate makes him a reliable option in non-LeBron minutes.
3. Why Move On from D’Angelo Russell?
– Russell’s inconsistent performances and defensive limitations made him expendable, especially with Austin Reaves emerging as a primary ball-handler.
– The Lakers prioritized adding defensive wings and complementary pieces over retaining Russell’s streaky scoring.
4. Future Asset Management
– Trading second-round picks (2027, 2030, 2031) instead of first-rounders preserves the Lakers’ flexibility to make another significant move before the trade deadline.
For the Nets
1. D’Angelo Russell’s Return
– Russell brings a familiar face back to Brooklyn, where he had his best years, including an All-Star appearance in 2019.
– He provides a veteran presence and playmaking for a Nets team focused on rebuilding around Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas.
2. Future Draft Capital
– The three second-round picks add valuable assets for a team looking to stockpile resources for future trades or draft development.
3. Maxwell Lewis’ Potential
– The rookie forward has shown flashes of promise. While he’s still a developmental project, the Nets could see him as a long-term asset.
Impact on the Lakers’ Title Aspirations
– The addition of Finney-Smith strengthens the Lakers’ defense and shooting, making them more competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
– Shake Milton provides stability and depth in the backcourt, ensuring the Lakers have multiple playmaking options.
– By addressing key weaknesses without sacrificing first-round picks, the Lakers remain flexible for further upgrades.
This trade positions the Lakers as a more balanced and playoff-ready team while giving the Nets valuable assets for their rebuild. Both teams appear to have achieved their immediate goals, making this a win-win deal.
