The Lakers have won another game, defeating the Eastern powerhouse Hawks at home with a score of 119-102. Notably, LeBron James scored another 30 points today, bringing his career total to 563 games with 30+ points, surpassing Jordan to become the top scorer in history. The Lakers also have more good news as they have returned to fourth place in the West. After defeating the Hawks, their record stands at 20 wins and 14 losses. This is due to the Nuggets and Mavericks both losing their games today, allowing the Lakers to quickly climb up the ranks. The Lakers have had a rollercoaster season. Initially, the Lakers' record was at the top four level in the West, matching the Warriors and Suns with a strong start. However, all three teams began to falter, with the Lakers even dropping out of the play-in tournament area at one point. Now, the Lakers have finally made a comeback, and it's clear that acquiring Smith has significantly increased the defensive depth on the wing. In his debut with the Lakers against the Cavaliers, Smith went 1 for 4, not yet adapting to the team, but his defense still impressed the Lakers. Against the Trail Blazers, Smith had a 1 for 6 shooting rate, which had nothing to do with the opponent and was purely due to not yet adapting to the Lakers. Today, Smith found his rhythm, scoring 8 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench, going 3 for 5 from the field and 2 for 3 from beyond the…

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…

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…

The NBA mid-season trade market appears calm on the surface but is actually filled with undercurrents, as all 30 teams have their own needs, whether it's to strengthen and upgrade their rosters for a championship run or to dismantle and tank for the Flagg Cup. Prior to this, the Warriors and Nets had already completed a major Schroder trade, with stars from various teams such as Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen from the Bulls, Joe Harris and DeAndre Jordan from the Nets, Thomas Bryant and Kyle Kuzma from the Wizards, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz, Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant from the Blazers, and Jimmy Butler from the Heat all involved in trade rumors! Today, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets completed a major 5-for-2 trade at lightning speed! According to NBA insider Shams Charania, multiple sources revealed that the Lakers and Nets completed a major trade centered around D'Angelo Russell and Finney-Smith. The details of the trade are as follows: The Lakers sent Russell, Lewis, a 2027 second-round pick, a 2030 second-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick to the Nets in exchange for Finney-Smith and Milton. Subsequently, the Nets officially announced the trade, welcoming Russell back to Brooklyn and Lewis to the team! Overall, this is a mutually beneficial trade that benefits both sides. The Lakers undoubtedly made a killing in this deal, acquiring Finney-Smith without giving up a first-round pick! Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka had previously stated: "We need 30 games to evaluate our roster!" Now, after 31 games, the Lakers have…