According to Shams Charania, a well-known journalist, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets have completed a trade. The Lakers acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, while the Nets received D'Angelo Russell, Maxey Lewis, and three second-round picks (from the Lakers in 2027, 2030, and 2031).
After the trade was announced, it sparked significant discussion among American media outlets. Some experts believe that the addition of Finney-Smith may not live up to expectations, similar to the concerns when Russell Westbrook was traded to the team. However, these worries are unfounded; Finney-Smith is a good fit for the Lakers. Unlike Westbrook, he does not require a high usage rate of the ball, and it should be noted that any quality 3-and-D player has not had compatibility issues playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Finney-Smith is averaging 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%. He possesses excellent perimeter defense and the ability to switch defensively. Finney-Smith played a crucial role in the Dallas Mavericks' Western Conference Finals in 2022. After joining the Nets, he not only became a reliable spot-up shooter but was also used as a small-ball center.
In addition to Finney-Smith, new addition Shake Milton is more than just a throw-in in the trade. Milton is averaging 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.9%. Milton has some ball-handling ability and can play off the ball, enhancing the Lakers' guard rotation with his strong defensive capabilities and efficient scoring off the bench.
This trade undoubtedly benefits LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers can now field a starting lineup of James, Reeves, Rui Hachimura, Smith, and Davis. James is a natural playmaker who could return to the point guard position five years from now, a move that last helped the Lakers win the championship in 2020. With Smith's protection, Davis' rim protection influence will be greatly enhanced, allowing him to focus more on the offensive end.
Although they lost Russell, who is strong on offense but weak on defense, the Lakers have brought in two versatile championship pieces who can contribute an average of 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists combined, seamlessly integrating with the Lakers. Moreover, this trade only cost redundant assets and second-round picks to acquire these two immediate contributors, optimizing the team's salary structure.
The combined salaries of Finney-Smith and Milton are lower than Russell's 18.7million,savingtheLakersover10 million in luxury tax payments and keeping them away from the second luxury tax threshold, providing flexibility for future moves. It is highly likely that the Lakers will complete another significant trade before the trade deadline.
This year's Western Conference is open, with young teams in the upper half and established powerhouses in the lower half, leading to significant playoff uncertainties. Therefore, the results of the mid-season arms race are crucial. Now, the Lakers have fired the first shot in upgrading their roster, and other Western Conference teams will be eager to make moves, with a bidding war for talent imminent.