The Lakers' big trade involving five players for two seems to have turned from a great deal to a significant loss. The situation with Smith is particularly problematic as he is reportedly difficult to manage, demanding both money and playing time, leaving the team in an awkward position.
The Lakers' management made a bold move by trading Russell, Lewis, and several second-round picks to acquire Smith and Milton. Initially, the entire league thought the Lakers had made a good deal. Russell was seen as a marginal player on the Lakers, not performing well on the court and not expected to become a core player. On the other hand, Milton is a decent backup player who can shoot and drive to the basket, and is willing to step up in crucial moments, although it's uncertain how long he will stay with the team due to the high turnover rate of role players.
Smith is indeed a skilled player with solid defense and accurate three-point shooting, making him a sought-after player in the league. However, he appears dissatisfied with his contract, looking down upon the player option worth over $15 million and wanting to explore the free market.
This has put the Lakers in a difficult situation, as they initially believed they had found a strong assistant to help them compete for the championship, only to find out that Smith had no intention of staying long-term. Despite the coaching staff and teammates enjoying Smith's company and having a good time with him during training, it seems these factors are not enough to keep him.
Smith's statistics were impressive during his time with the Nets, averaging double-digit points and an astonishingly high three-point shooting percentage. However, upon closer inspection, issues arise, such as his abnormally low free-throw shooting percentage, which raises doubts about whether his three-point shooting is genuine skill or just good luck.
In a game against the Cavaliers, Smith's performance left Lakers fans stunned, with shots going wildly off target and not a single three-pointer made. After this game, many fans began to question whether the trade was truly worth it, considering the substantial assets exchanged for a player who might leave at any moment.
The Lakers' salary space is already tight, and if they were to offer Smith a high salary, it would make reinforcing other positions even more challenging. The team management is likely regretting the decision, wishing they had considered the situation more carefully before making the trade.
Smith's attitude is also intriguing, as he speaks positively about the Lakers' atmosphere while simultaneously contemplating his options in the free market. In this situation, the Lakers face a tough decision whether to keep or let go of Smith, as they have already invested so much, and now letting go feels like a waste.
The Lakers' operational strategy in recent years has favored large trades, but the results have been less than satisfactory, with limited improvement in the team's strength. They have not done well in developing young players, often seeking immediate impact players from outside, leaving their own rookies with few opportunities. The salary structure is also unreasonable, with a few main players taking up most of the salary cap, leaving little room for reinforcement.
The situation with Smith also reflects that the team may have been too hasty in assessing players without considering the long-term impact. If Smith does leave, the Lakers will not only lose their trade assets but also affect the team's morale and tactical system.
The current issue is that even if they know they cannot keep Smith, they cannot immediately trade him away, as it would appear too hasty. The team management is likely trying to figure out how to clean up this mess.
For fans, such unpredictable operations are indeed hard to accept, but they can only continue to support the team.