In the intricate NBA trade market, where seemingly ordinary transactions can conceal significant implications, the Los Angeles Lakers recently completed a deal with the Brooklyn Nets that has garnered attention. The Lakers acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, while sending out D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks. This trade may not appear groundbreaking at first glance, but upon closer examination, it reveals exciting possibilities. So, why has this trade received widespread attention, and can it help the Lakers return to the top of the competitive Western Conference? Transaction Overview: What Did the Lakers Gain?‌ Let's start by looking at the basic details of the trade. The Lakers parted with D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks (2027, 2030, and 2031). In return, the Nets sent Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to Los Angeles. You might wonder why this trade is noteworthy—after all, the Lakers gave up an established starting guard and some future draft picks for two role players. But what exactly did the Lakers gain? Dorian Finney-Smith: A Shield of Steel on the Perimeter If you're not familiar with Dorian Finney-Smith, you might underestimate the value of this trade. Finney-Smith is an exceptional perimeter defender, standing at 2.01 meters tall, with great defensive versatility and excellent switching ability. Although he averages only 10.6 points per game, his three-point shooting accuracy is an impressive 43.5%, which will undoubtedly provide significant support within the Lakers' offensive system. Imagine Finney-Smith becoming a spot-up shooter under the influence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis,…

Lakers Make a Splash in the Trade Market with Impressive New Additions *December 30th, Beijing Time - According to renowned journalist Shams, the Lakers and Nets have completed a significant trade. The Lakers acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, while the Nets receive D'Angelo Russell, Maxey Lewis, and three second-round picks (from 2027, 2030, and 2031, all from the Lakers).* *The trade has sparked intense discussion among American media outlets, with some experts expressing concerns that the addition of Finney-Smith may not live up to expectations, drawing parallels to the underwhelming tenure of Russell Westbrook. However, these worries are unfounded; Finney-Smith is a perfect fit for the Lakers, unlike Westbrook, he does not require significant ball possession. It's important to remember that any quality 3&D player has seamlessly integrated alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis without compatibility issues.* *Finney-Smith has averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, boasting a remarkable 43.5% three-point shooting accuracy. He excels in perimeter defense and possesses versatile defensive capabilities. Finney-Smith played a pivotal role in the Mavericks' 2022 Western Conference Finals, transitioning into a valuable spot-up shooter and even utilized as a small-ball center upon joining the Nets.* *Shake Milton, another new addition, is more than just a throw-in. Averaging 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season, with a 38.9% three-point shooting rate, Milton contributes both on-ball and off-ball skills, bolstering the Lakers' guard rotation with his strong defensive presence and efficient scoring off the bench.* *This trade significantly benefits LeBron James and Anthony Davis, allowing the Lakers to field…

Yesterday, the highly anticipated Los Angeles Lakers completed a blockbuster trade, reaching a deal with the Eastern Conference's Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith and Milton, sending Russell, Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, 2031). The biggest gain for the Lakers in this trade is undoubtedly Finney-Smith, as they targeted his exceptional 3D attributes for this major transaction. Finney-Smith is an excellent 3D player, boasting not only solid defense but also an impressive three-point shooting percentage. His career three-point shooting rate exceeds 44%, making him a sharpshooter-level forward. Even Magic Johnson was thrilled by the Lakers' acquisition of Finney-Smith. In this trade, the Lakers did not part with significant assets beyond Russell, not even giving up a first-round draft pick. What many may have overlooked is that Milton, who came over in the trade with Finney-Smith, is also an outstanding role player. Some might think Milton was just an extra piece in this trade, easily overlooked. However, judging from his actual performance this season, Milton has proven himself capable of being a reliable rotation player. He simply did not receive ample playing time with the Nets. Milton had limited opportunities at the start of the season with the Nets, but as his playing time increased, so did his performance. Over the last 15 games, Milton averaged 24.6 minutes per game, scoring 11.2 points, grabbing 2.7 rebounds, dishing out 3.1 assists, and making 0.9 steals, with a field goal percentage of 47.3%, a three-point percentage of 38.9%, and a free throw percentage of 76.7%. Notably, in the past two games,…

On December 31st, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continues to unfold, with the Lakers showing a recent resurgence, securing two consecutive victories to climb to fifth place in the Western Conference. At this juncture, the team also made a move in the trade market, successfully acquiring 3D player Finney-Smith and a backcourt player Milton, which has indeed bolstered their lineup. In this transaction, the Lakers gave up Russell, Lewis, and three second-round picks, obtaining Smith without parting with a first-round pick, which is quite commendable. This deal has once again earned General Manager Pelinka praise, and in an interview, Pelinka revealed that the recruitment work has not ended here, as there will be further additions, considering they still have a first-round pick available. After the trade was completed, the two newcomers quickly arrived in Los Angeles and will make their Lakers debut in the next game. Smith is the most anticipated addition to the team, as his 3D attributes are what the team needs. He expressed great excitement about joining the Lakers, stating that he now has the opportunity to compete for a championship. Upon joining the Lakers, he will wear the number 17 jersey, though he will not start for the team. Coach Redick stated, "The plan is to have Finney-Smith and Milton come off the bench!" However, Smith still has a chance to challenge for a starting position if he adapts well, as he is deserving of one. Milton, on the other hand, will wear the number 20 jersey, and in an interview, he said, "I'm very…

Trade Completed! Lakers Trade Russell, Smith Might Not Be That Great After All! On December 30th, Beijing time, Shams, a well-known reporter, brought a piece of important news: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets have reached a significant trade. The details of the trade are as follows: Lakers receive: Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton; Nets receive: D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, 3 second-round picks (2027, 2030, 2031, all from the Lakers). This is the second time Russell has been traded; he was selected by the Lakers and first traded to the Nets in June 2017. At that time, the Lakers were in a rebuilding phase, but due to Russell's inconsistent performance and poor relationships with his teammates, the Lakers management decided to send him away! On June 22, 2017, the Lakers officially traded with the Brooklyn Nets, exchanging D'Angelo Russell and Moisés Bamba for the Nets' overall draft pick, the 2018 second-round draft pick, and $1.79 million in cash. Now, Dillon has been sent to the Nets again, which is really liberating for him! In these years with the Lakers, as a point guard, he struggled on the court due to conflicts with James' playing style. Even when starting, he found it difficult to perform well without the ball. As a result, this season he was directly demoted to the bench, where his playing time was not guaranteed! Russell played his best game this season when James was absent. On October 9th, the Lakers played against the Trail Blazers at home, and James did not play in this game. Russell…

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…

On December 30th, Beijing time, the Lakers and the Nets completed a 5-for-2 trade. The Lakers acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton; the Nets received D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, 2031, all from the Lakers). This is the second time Russell has been traded by the Lakers to the Nets, having previously been traded in 2017. The Athletic's ratings are as follows: Lakers Trade Rating: A-‌ The 28-year-old Russell did not fully utilize his abilities during his second stint with the Lakers. He is not a bad player, but he was inconsistent in how he played alongside James and Davis. We often saw James frustrated with Russell, and new coach Redick also had moments of frustration with him. Now the Lakers no longer have to worry about Russell. The 31-year-old Finney-Smith is an excellent wing defender who has become a reliable three-point shooter. In his last three full seasons with the Mavericks, Finney-Smith shot 38.9% from three-point range, averaging nearly 5 attempts per game. After being sent to the Nets as part of the Irving trade in February 2023, we saw him struggle at times, but Finney-Smith has regained his shooting form this year, averaging 5.4 three-point attempts with a 43.5% three-point shooting rate. If he can bring such performances to the Lakers, along with his relentless defensive efforts on the perimeter, it's not hard to understand why Pelinka was determined to acquire him. Redick is deploying some big lineups. The Lakers might start with James, Reeves, Finney-Smith, Hachimura, and Davis. They will have enough…

With the NBA trade deadline approaching in 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers have finally completed a major trade. They sent D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, significantly improving their lineup's perimeter defense and shooting capabilities. However, the process of the Lakers acquiring Finney-Smith was not easy. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Nets almost traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers' direct Western Conference rival. Scotto reported: "Before the Brooklyn Nets traded Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies offered a package including a top-15 protected first-round pick in 2025, Luke Kennard, and John Konchar in exchange for Finney-Smith and a second-round pick." Scotto is not the only journalist to report such news; NBA insider Marc Stein also reported that the Lakers made a sudden move, outbidding the Grizzlies for Finney-Smith. Compared to the Grizzlies' protected first-round pick (where the Nets would still need to add at least one second-round pick), the Nets preferred the Lakers' offer of three second-round picks. The Lakers seized the opportunity to acquire Finney-Smith and even got 28-year-old Milton. Milton had a stable season with the Nets, playing 27 games this season, averaging 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18.2 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage of 46% and a three-point percentage of 38%. More importantly, the Lakers freed themselves from Russell's contract burden through this trade, saving over $3 million in salary cap space, facilitating future transactions. While this trade enhanced…

On December 30th, Beijing time, the NBA league brought a piece of heavy news. The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move before the trade deadline, completing a weighty major trade. Multiple sources revealed that the Lakers and the Nets have reached a trade, as follows: The Lakers acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton; The Nets acquired D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, 2031, all from the Lakers). The Lakers' acquisition of Finney-Smith not only marks the Lakers' first strike in the offensive horn before the trade deadline this season but also brings a significant boost to the team. Although Finney-Smith is not a big-name star player, he is undoubtedly a treasure-type player. This player has excellent shooting ability, with a three-point shooting rate exceeding 40%, and also has above-average defensive capabilities, making him an elite 3D wing. Through this trade, the Lakers have made a huge gain. After the trade was completed, NBA insider Shams commented, "The Lakers have acquired the versatile 3D player Finney-Smith, who has a career three-point shooting rate of 44%. The Lakers have also made their salary more flexible, saving $15 million in luxury tax. In return, the Nets have gained draft picks and can also clear salary space (Russell's expiring contract)." After this trade, the Lakers' total salary for this season is 3.5millionawayfromthesecondrichestline,whilebeforethistrade,theirtotalsalarywasonly3.5 million away from the second richest line, while before this trade, their total salary was only 3.5millionawayfromthesecondrichestline,whilebeforethistrade,theirtotalsalarywasonly3,000 away from the second richest line. Overall, the Lakers have completed an outstanding trade. No wonder after the trade was…

On December 30th, Beijing time, the Lakers have finally strengthened their roster. Both the Lakers and the Nets have officially announced the completion of a major 5-for-2 trade. The Lakers have posted photos welcoming their two new additions to Los Angeles while bidding farewell to Russell; LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead an 18-man new squad in pursuit of the championship, with Finney-Smith and Milton supporting them. The Lakers and the Nets have completed a significant 5-for-2 trade. The Lakers sent D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, and 2031, all from the Lakers) to Brooklyn, receiving Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Nets. Through this trade, the Lakers not only acquired Finney-Smith, an excellent defensive player with accurate three-point shooting, but also made their salary cap more flexible and saved $15 million in luxury tax. ESPN rated this trade, giving the Lakers an A- for successfully strengthening their team, while the Nets received a C+. After the official announcement of the trade, the Lakers' official account posted photos welcoming Finney-Smith and Milton to Los Angeles and posted photos bidding farewell to Russell and Lewis; the Nets welcomed Russell's return, welcomed Lewis to Brooklyn, and bid farewell to Smith and Milton. Russell's career with the Lakers has come to an end once again. This season, he played 29 games for the Lakers, averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game; throughout his career, he has played five seasons for the Lakers, appearing in 265 games and averaging 15.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.9…