This season's NBA regular season started with the Lakers' performance impressing fans, with a winning streak at the beginning of the season leading many to chant "Lakers are the champions." However, as the season progressed, the Lakers' performance showed a noticeable decline. It is clear that with their current roster, it would be difficult for the Lakers to achieve their championship dreams again. To increase LeBron James' chances of winning another title in the twilight of his career, the Lakers completed a 5-for-2 trade on James' 40th birthday. According to Shams Charania, the Lakers and the Nets have reached a deal that brings versatile forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the team, further enhancing their competitiveness.
In this trade, the Lakers sent out D'Angelo Russell, Maxey Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, and 2031, all from the Lakers) to the Nets in exchange for Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Finney-Smith, who is 31 years old this season, averages 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 steals in 29 minutes per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%. His excellent 3D attributes make him a perfect fit for the Lakers' style of play.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis both have significant offensive influence and strong passing abilities, which will undoubtedly create many open three-point opportunities for Finney-Smith. If he can maintain his efficiency from the Nets, Finney-Smith will play a crucial role in the Lakers' offense. Additionally, his strong defensive capabilities will help alleviate the defensive pressure on James. His addition to the Lakers will undoubtedly enhance the team's dominance on both ends of the court, which is why fans believe the Lakers have renewed hope for contending for the championship.
For Russell, this trade also presents a positive outcome. He was previously traded to the Nets by the Lakers in 2017, where he performed exceptionally well and was selected to the All-Star team. With his contract expiring at the end of this season, if Russell can replicate his success in Brooklyn, it could lead to a satisfying contract extension. Even if he does not secure a big contract, Russell will become a free agent after his contract expires, allowing him to join a championship-contending team.
From this trade, the Lakers' roster on paper has clearly been strengthened. However, to truly enhance the team's competitiveness, they need to integrate the new additions quickly into their system. There is hope that the highly anticipated Finney-Smith will quickly develop good chemistry with James and Davis, becoming a stable outside shooter and defensive ace for the team, aiming to help the Lakers reclaim their place at the top of the league once again!