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