Lakers ship D’Angelo Russell back to Brooklyn for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton, and draft picks

The Los Angeles Lakers are shaking things up, shipping D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

The trade, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, adds a versatile defender and sharpshooter in Finney-Smith to bolster L.A.’s roster.

Lakers ship D-Lo back to Brooklyn for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton, and draft picks

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a trade sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V175zGtmKW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2024

Dorian Finney-Smith

At 6-foot-7, Finney-Smith is a defensive-minded wing who can guard multiple positions—exactly the kind of player they have been looking for. He’s also in the middle of a career year offensively, averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting a lights-out 43.5% from beyond the arc.

The move reunites Finney-Smith with head coach J.J. Redick, as the two were teammates on the Dallas Mavericks during the 2020-21 season, Redick’s last in the NBA. Redick’s familiarity with Finney-Smith’s skill set undoubtedly played a role in the Lakers’ pursuit of the 31-year-old.

Shake Milton

Milton gives the Lakers a versatile guard who can contribute as a scorer and playmaker off the bench. While his role with the Nets was limited, Milton has proven in the past that he can step up in big moments, making him a valuable addition to the Lakers’ rotation.

Financial Flexibility for the Lakers

The trade creates financial flexibility, moving the Lakers $3.5 million below the second apron after being just $30,000 under before the deal. This gives them room to maneuver for potential future trades or signings.

But it’s not just about money. Finney-Smith fills a major need for wing defense and three-point shooting, areas where the Lakers have struggled at times this season. With his ability to guard the perimeter and knock down shots, Finney-Smith should slide seamlessly into a supporting role alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

D’Angelo Russell back to Brooklyn

This trade marks a return to Brooklyn for Russell, who spent two seasons with the Nets earlier in his career, even making an All-Star appearance in 2019. However, his time with the Lakers this season was rocky.

Averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in just 26.3 minutes per game, Russell lost his starting job and faced criticism from Redick for his inconsistency.

A fresh start in Brooklyn could be just what Russell needs to regain his form. Plus, we finally get a Ben Simmons and D-Lo reunion that I have personally been talking about for YEARS, although I wanted it on the Sixers.

Ben Simmons and D'Angelo Russell back in high school pic.twitter.com/swoZdGFde0

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 9, 2017

A Win for Redick and the Lakers

This trade signals that the Lakers are fully committed to building a roster that complements their stars. By adding Finney-Smith’s defensive versatility and three-point shooting, along with Milton’s potential spark off the bench, L.A. looks better equipped to make a deep playoff run.

Redick’s familiarity with Finney-Smith should help the wing integrate quickly, and the Lakers’ newfound financial breathing room could pave the way for additional moves as the season progresses.

It’s a win-now move with long-term benefits—a sign that the Lakers aren’t just thinking about this season but also keeping an eye on their future flexibility. For now, all eyes will be on how quickly this new-look roster comes together.

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