Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lakers updated roster after trading D’Angelo Russell for Finney-Smith and Shake Milton

Finney-Smith's inclusion will provide more space for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate.

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a big move today, as they traded D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis, along with three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Russell’s difficult stint comes to an end with the Lakers. Los Angeles sent their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to the Brooklyn Nets.

Breaking: Lakers have traded D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, per @ShamsCharania

D-Lo is heading back to Brooklyn 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OtolP22KGy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2024

Russell was selected as the second overall pick in the 2015 draft. The 28-year-old point guard is averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season. Russell was shooting 41.5% from the field, 33.3% from deep, and 84.9% from the free-throw line. These numbers are below his career averages of 17.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

Meanwhile, Russell played for the Nets in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons before being traded on June 22, 2017, with Timofey Mozgov for Brook Lopez and draft pick Kyle Kuzma. During his two-season stint with Brooklyn, he earned his only All-Star selection.

On the other hand, Maxwell Lewis, who leaves in the trade, has seen limited action for the Lakers this season. The 22-year-old has been inconsistent this season, logging just 3.2 minutes per game over 41 appearances.

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Lakers’ projected roster

Finney-Smith’s inclusion will provide more space for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate. He is shooting a career-high 43.5% from 3 this season and this improvement in shooting depth could lead to a change in JJ Reddick’s offensive strategy.

Dorian Finney-Smith is the only player in the NBA this season to defend ALL FIVE POSITIONS for at least 15 halfcourt matchups per game, according to Second Spectrum. 🔒

He’s also a shooting 44% from 3 POINT 🎯

Lakers finally got their perfect 3&D guy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Wzsjk55M1T
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 29, 2024

PG: Gabe Vincent, Quincy Olivari

SG: Austin Reaves, Shake Milton, Bronny James, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino

SF: LeBron James, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, Armel Traore

PF: Anthony Davis, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood

C: Jaxson Hayes, Christian Koloko

Dorian Finney-Smith is a versatile player who can help JJ Reddick in the starting lineup. The 31-year-old forward averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season. According to Second Spectrum, he is the only player in the NBA this season to defend guards, forwards and centers each for at least 15 halfcourt matchups per game.

Shake Milton, who comes in the trade, averaging 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The 28-year-old has made just one start from 27 appearances. Shake Milton can fill the gap in the rotation and can also contribute off the bench. It will help Austin Reaves or others in the backcourt.

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.