Lakers and Nets Make a Big Trade! Could the Western Conference Landscape Change?
Wow! The Lakers and Nets Have Done Something Really Amazing
On December 30th, Beijing time, the NBA arena was buzzing with excitement as the Lakers and Nets completed a trade. This was a huge deal, like a quiet pond suddenly being disturbed by a large stone thrown in, causing splashes everywhere. The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, while the Nets received D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks from the Lakers (2027, 2030, 2031). Why did these two teams go through such a hassle to swap players? There's a lot to unpack, so let's dive into it.
Can "The Fan" Make the Lakers Great Again?
Let's start with Finney-Smith, who everyone calls "The Fan." This season, he averages 10.6 points per game, grabs 4.6 rebounds, and dishes out 1.6 assists, with a high three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%. Impressive stats, right? And his skills in perimeter defense and switching are top-notch. However, some experts initially worried that he might not be very useful for the Lakers. But upon closer inspection, this concern is unwarranted. Why? Because he's different from Westbrook, who needs the ball in his hands when playing. "The Fan" doesn't hog the ball, making him a good fit for the Lakers' style of play. He can both defend and open up space for three-point shots, which is like upgrading the wheels on a car, making it run smoother.
Milton Isn't Here to Mess Around!
Now let's look at Shake Milton, who averages 7.4 points per game this season, grabs 1.9 rebounds, and dishes out 2.4 assists, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.9%. Don't underestimate him; he's not just a throw-in in the trade. He has the ability to score with the ball in his hands, is strong defensively, and can quickly contribute points off the bench. He's like a spare key that comes in handy in critical moments to unlock the game. With him, the Lakers have enough depth at the guard position, and the level is more consistent. Previously, the guard line might have been short-handed or inconsistent in quality, but now with Milton, things are more stable.
Will LeBron and AD Unleash Their Full Potential?
This trade greatly benefits LeBron and AD. The Lakers saved over $10 million in luxury tax due to this trade and improved their salary structure. Moreover, the Lakers can now field a new starting lineup: LeBron, Reeves, Hachimura, Smith, and AD. This lineup feels like a powerful new engine for the team, significantly increasing their firepower. LeBron and AD now have more capable support around them, making their path to the championship seem brighter.
Is the Lakers Planning an Even Bigger Move?
There's talk that the Lakers might make another significant trade before the deadline. This is a big cliffhanger that has fans on the edge of their seats. If another major trade does happen, the playoff picture in the West could become even more chaotic. Now that the Lakers have strengthened their roster first, other teams are surely watching and preparing. The Western playoffs are like an intense brawl where everyone starts with similar equipment, but now the Lakers have upgraded theirs. Can the other teams just stand by and do nothing?
A Word from the Editor
This trade between the Lakers and Nets has been incredibly exciting to watch. From the initial shock to analyzing each player's potential impact, it's like watching a thrilling movie with ups and downs. The Lakers have taken a good step, resolving financial issues and strengthening their team through trades. "The Fan" and Milton have brought new energy and possibilities to the team. As fans, we can only wait and see how they perform on the court. After all, the NBA is a place full of changes and surprises, where every trade can change a team's fate. All we can do is enjoy the excitement of basketball and hope these players shine in their new teams, showing us just how fun basketball can be.