The Los Angeles Lakers have made an important roster move. They traded D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. The Lakers are strengthening their defensive end with this deal.
They signed Finney-Smith to create more space for stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as he boasts a career-high 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc this season. Interestingly, Dorian is the only player in the NBA this season who has defended guards, forwards, and centers for a minimum of 15 half-court matchups per game, as reported by Second Spectrum.
In contrast, Shake Milton joins the Lakers as a valuable bench option. He averaged 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in limited playing time with the Nets. While Russell’s departure leaves a gap in the starting point guard position, Milton’s addition offers depth and the potential to be a spark off the bench. This restructured lineup also sees Finney-Smith likely stepping into a prominent role and enhancing both the offense and defense.
Dorian Finney-Smith is the only player in the NBA this season to defend guards, forwards and centers each for at least 15 halfcourt matchups per game, according to Second Spectrum.
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 29, 2024
Lakers got a good one 🔥
(Via @ShamsCharania ) pic.twitter.com/SsqsxKRpa7
With key players like Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis still firmly in place, the Lakers aim to build a more cohesive unit. Unfortunately, this trade marks the end of Russell’s time with the Lakers, where he struggled to live up to expectations. He averaged just 12.4 points and shied away from his career numbers. The deal, which involved sending three second-round picks in 2027, 2030, and 2031 to Brooklyn, comes as the Lakers look to enhance their lineup.
Also Read: NBA Scout Believes Los Angeles Lakers’ Poorly-Built Roster Was The Main Problem And Not Darvin Ham
Dorian Finney-Smith’s Trade To The Lakers Sparks Buzz On Social Media
This trade is not a blockbuster trade by any measure. And there will still be a lot to be sorted on the Lakers side. However, it has injected a new sense of positivity among the LA fans and they are in full swing on the internet.
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“And they gave barely nothing for him, rob pelinka with the trade of the decade,” a fan wrote.
and they gave barely nothing for him, rob pelinka with the trade of the decade
— desire (@dgsire) December 29, 2024
“It’s scary hours for the NBA,” another fan wrote.
It’s scary hours for the NBA
— 𝟐𝟑 👑 (@BronWorld) December 29, 2024
“Their Ceiling got upgraded From 1st Round exit to 2nd Round Exit at Best Great Job,” a user added.
Their Ceiling got upgraded From 1st Round exit to 2nd Round Exit at Best Great Job
— JBCthebest1 (@Jbcthebest1) December 29, 2024
“Where’s the offense going to come from? I get defense is important, but you have Rui and Venderbilt in the same position. Lakers needed a defensive center to help AD,” a fan asked.
Where’s the offense going to come from? I get defense is important, but you have Rui and Venderbilt in the same position. Lakers needed a defensive center to help AD.
— TSLAKRZ (@AndyKhauv) December 29, 2024
“Lakers grabbing all these role players lol…Lakers just gotta ride the wave till Antman becomes a FA and build around him,” another user added.
Lakers grabbing all these role players lol…Lakers just gotta ride the wave till Antman becomes a FA and build around him.
— Mr. Effective (@TheBronxMaestro) December 29, 2024
“He seems like the type of player that will be cold everywhere else then come to the lakers and be awful,” wrote one fan.
He seems like the type of player that will be cold everywhere else then come to the lakers and be awful
— Lonely Stoners (@lonelystonerpod) December 29, 2024
Although, Dorian Finney-Smith is stepping into a pivotal role with the Lakers. It’s clear they see him as a key piece for their future. With Cam Reddish failing to establish himself offensively, Finney-Smith’s impressive shooting offers a much better option for spacing and scoring.
What’s even more exciting is how well Finney-Smith fits into the Lakers’ starting lineup. At 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, he adds the size and strength that the team has been looking for. This new addition will allow them to be more versatile against modern NBA offenses.
