What Trading D’Angelo Russell Means for the Lakers
The Lakers shake things up by trading D’Angelo Russell to the Nets, aiming for a stronger playoff push with new additions
Los Angeles, Brooklyn, D’Angelo Russell, Dorian Finney-Smith, NBA Trade
Los Angeles: So, the Lakers just made a big move by trading D’Angelo Russell to the Nets. It’s a pretty interesting shake-up, right? They’re looking to boost their chances for a deep playoff run.
Usually, trade deadlines are wild, with teams making last-minute deals that leave fans scratching their heads. But this time, the Lakers and Nets decided to get ahead of the game.
In this deal, Russell heads to Brooklyn along with Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks. In return, the Lakers snag Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Not a bad trade for either side!
Honestly, Russell wasn’t fitting in well with the Lakers anymore. They’ve got superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but they needed more reliable players around them. Finney-Smith is a solid addition. He’s a versatile guy who can shoot and defend, which is exactly what the Lakers needed.
Finney-Smith is hitting over 43% from three-point range, and he can guard multiple positions. That’s a huge plus for a team that needed a two-way player. With him on board, the Lakers can finally have someone who can contribute on both ends of the court.
Let’s be real, giving up Russell might actually help the Lakers. He’s had some rough patches this season, and his defense has been a concern. Plus, he just didn’t seem to click with the new coach, JJ Redick.
Sure, the Lakers had to give up some draft picks, but they didn’t lose a first-rounder, which is a win in my book. Milton is another good pickup. He can come off the bench and provide instant offense when needed.
For the Nets, this trade is all about the future. Russell’s contract is expiring, and they’re in rebuilding mode. They knew they might lose Finney-Smith, so they decided to get something in return while adding to their draft picks.
Plus, Russell hasn’t been playing well, so they’re not too worried about losing him later. Interestingly, the Nets have been surprisingly competitive this season, so bringing in Russell could help them tank a bit for a better draft pick.
Overall, both teams seem to have made out well in this trade. The Lakers get the players they need for a playoff push, while the Nets set themselves up for the future.