Lakers Trade D’Angelo Russell Back to Nets; Acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton

Dec 29, 2024, 06:07 PM

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three unprotected second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton, according to multiple reports including ESPN and Shams Charania. The deal provides the Lakers with a much-needed 3-and-D wing in Finney-Smith, who is shooting a career-high 44% from three-point range this season and is known for his defensive versatility, being the only NBA player this season to defend guards, forwards, and centers each for at least 15 half-court matchups per game, per Second Spectrum. The trade also saves the Lakers $15 million in salary and luxury tax flexibility, bringing them $3.5 million below the second apron. D’Angelo Russell returns to the Nets, where he was an All-Star in 2019. He is on an expiring $18.7 million contract, providing Brooklyn with salary flexibility. The Nets continue to accumulate draft picks, now holding 31 over the next seven years, including 15 first-round and 16 second-round selections. Shake Milton adds depth to the Lakers' backcourt, while the Nets receive additional draft capital and clean salaries in return. Prior to this trade, the Memphis Grizzlies were reportedly in talks to acquire Finney-Smith, offering a protected 2025 first-round pick along with Luke Kennard and John Konchar, but the Nets preferred the Lakers' package.