Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a move: They are sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.
The Lakers were in need of a 3&D forward, and Finney-Smith will fill that role. Milton provides the Lakers with a solid backup guard.
The Lakers move off Russell, who was averaging 12/3/5 on 42/33/85 shooting splits. Russell is in the final year of his deal and has struggled to be efficient this season. Second-year guard Maxwell Lewis was also in the deal but hasn’t been in the rotation this season.
The Lakers got themselves a SHOOTER without even giving up a first round pick 🔥
44% from 3 this year. pic.twitter.com/4SM42ntqVN
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) December 29, 2024
Finney-Smith is having a solid season, averaging 10/5/2 on 46/44/63 shooting splits. Finney-Smith’s efficient shooting from behind the arc and defensive versatility will fight right into JJ Redick’s system.
Finney-Smith’s contract has two years remaining. He will earn $14.9 million this season and has a $15.4 million player option for next season.
Milton is also a solid addition, as he can provide a spark as a scorer off the bench. Milton is averaging 7/2/2 on 47/39/76 shooting splits. The 28-year-old guard is in the first year of a three-year $9.1 million deal.
The Lakers get much needed wing depth and flexibility below the second apron.
Below 2nd apron: $3.5M (was $30K)
Dorian Finney-Smith: $14.9M and $15.4M (P)
Shake Milton: $2.9M, $3M (NGTY), $3.3M (NGTY)
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 29, 2024
With the team-friendly deals for Finney-Smith and Milton, the Lakers get flexibility below the second apron.
The Lakers keep all three tradeable first-round picks, which they could use in another deal to upgrade the roster.
