FSM News: Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell – 2024

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Los Angeles Lakers (18-13, 2nd in Pacific)

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers dealt D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets.

D'angelo Russell - FSM Recap: Lakers vs Pistons - Game 29 - 2024 | Franchise Sports Media — Photo Credit: Eric Thayer/AP

The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a trade, sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, 2031) to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

“We want to thank D’Angelo for his second stint with us,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said. “We want to wish him and Maxwell Lewis well in their future endeavors with the Brooklyn Nets.”

It won’t be long before Russell returns to Los Angeles as the Lakers host the Nets on January 17th, 2025. They’ll then play in Brooklyn on March 10th.

Introducing the new acquisitions:

Finney-Smith adds a level of toughness the Lakers badly needed. He immediately becomes their second-best (healthy) frontcourt defender behind Anthony Davis. The price was fair, and they still have two first-round picks to trade.

“We are thrilled to add the physicality, toughness, and elite shooting that Dorian Finney-Smith will bring to our core. We also greatly value the playmaking of Shake Milton,” Pelinka said about their latest additions. “We are excited for our fans to get both of these players out on the court.”

“I’m super excited to be here,” Milton said.

Los Angeles can now see how this move works, what it looks like when its injured players get healthy, and potentially make a more significant move with one or both firsts closer to the trade deadline.

The Lakers also gained much-needed wing depth and flexibility below the second apron, which is now worth $3.5 million (it was $30 thousand before). Finney-Smith’s contract is $14.9 million this season and $15.4 million next season, while Milton’s contract is $2.9 million, $3 million, and $3.3 million.

Any changes to the lineup?

D'angelo Russell - FSM Recap: Lakers vs Trail Blazers - Game 24 - 2024 | Franchise Sports Media — Photo Credit: Etienna Laurent/AP

“He’s a guy who has guarded multiple positions throughout his career,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said of the acquisition of Finney-Smith. “He’s worked to become an elite catch-and-shoot player.”

Finney-Smith has earned the right to be called “elite,” as he’s shooting a career-high 43.5 percent from 3 on 5.4 attempts per game this season.

Redick also said that he is sticking with the current starting lineup of Davis, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and Austin Reaves. He already spoke with Finney-Smith and told him he’ll be coming off the bench, but he will continue to evaluate the starting group.

Redick is also hopeful that Finney-Smith and Milton are both cleared to play vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, if not,

Lakers’ first practice post-trade

The first thing Finney-Smith did at practice was ask James for shoes, “He said he got me,” Finney-Smith said. “I got the hard part out of the way.”

Finney-Smith has been guarding James for nine years, but their first practice together was the most he’s ever talked to him, “I’m not too friendly on the court,” Finney-Smith said.

Finney-Smith left a team with an elite passer only to be traded to another team with their own elite, if not better, passer, “Ah man, I can’t wait,” Finney-Smith said when asked about the shot quality coming his way. “I know ‘Bron; he slings that ball to the corner. I already played with Luka, probably the best two guys at finding guys in that corner.”

Finney-Smith was also asked about the opportunity to play side-by-side with Davis; he replied, “He’s going to create shots for guys like me. Offensive-rebound opportunities, because two people have to go box him out, I get to come in freely and grab some offensive rebounds. Just try to play off him and give him confidence.”

Milton was asked about his potential role as a primary playmaker off the bench. He replied, “Whether it’s me being on the ball, attacking the paint, creating for myself or others, or shooting 3s, I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do.”

Milton’s scouting report on Finney-Smith stated, “He’s the type of guy you want to go to war with. I think that’s going to translate right away.”

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, December 31st, at 6:00 pm PST. Thank you for visiting FranchiseSportsMedia.com for your Las Vegas Sports news.