Lakers Bolster Defense and Flexibility in Trade with Nets
Teh Los Angeles Lakers have made a important roster move, acquiring versatile forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for guard D’Angelo Russell, young forward Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks. This trade addresses key needs for the Lakers, injecting defensive prowess and financial flexibility into their lineup.
Finney-Smith, a proven 3-and-D specialist, brings a much-needed defensive presence to the Lakers.His ability to guard multiple positions effectively, as evidenced by his unique defensive versatility this season, aligns perfectly with Lakers coach JJ Redick’s emphasis on positional flexibility and toughness.
The 31-year-old Finney-Smith is enjoying a career-best season from beyond the arc,shooting an extraordinary 43.5% from three-point range. This sharpshooting ability complements the Lakers’ offensive arsenal and provides valuable spacing on the court.
This trade also marks a return to Brooklyn for russell, who was drafted second overall by the Lakers in 2015. The 28-year-old point guard previously played for the Nets during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, earning his lone All-star selection during that time.
The move not only strengthens the Lakers’ on-court performance but also provides financial flexibility. By shedding Russell’s contract, the Lakers save $15 million in salary and move $3.5 million below the luxury tax line. This newfound financial breathing room allows the Lakers to explore future roster moves and potentially pursue other key acquisitions.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka expressed his excitement about the trade, highlighting Finney-Smith’s physicality, toughness, and elite shooting as valuable assets to the team. He also praised Milton’s playing ability, indicating the Lakers’ belief in his potential contributions.
With the addition of Finney-Smith and Milton, the Lakers are poised to make a strong push for playoff contention. The trade addresses key weaknesses,strengthens their defensive identity,and provides the financial flexibility to make further improvements in the future.
Nets Bolster Future with Three-Team Trade, Acquiring Draft Capital and Salary Flexibility
The Brooklyn Nets have made a strategic move, acquiring valuable draft picks and salary cap space in a three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This deal sends guard D’Angelo Russell and forward Maxwell Lewis to Brooklyn, while the Lakers receive guard Malik Beasley and forward Jarred Vanderbilt from minnesota.
This trade substantially strengthens the Nets’ future prospects. They now possess an impressive 31 draft picks over the next seven years, comprising 15 frist-round selections and 16 second-round picks. Additionally, the nets gain over $60 million in salary cap space for the upcoming offseason, providing them with considerable flexibility to pursue free agents and build a competitive roster.
Earlier this month, the Nets demonstrated their commitment to accumulating assets by trading Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors for three second-round picks.
While russell began the season as a starter for the Lakers, his role shifted after a string of losses. Despite coming off the bench,his performance had been steadily improving. In December, he averaged an impressive 13 points per game, shooting 43.2% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc. This marked a notable betterment from his November and October averages.
Lakers general Manager Rob Pelinka expressed gratitude for Russell’s contributions during his second stint with the team,highlighting their shared successes. He wished Russell and Lewis well in their future endeavors with the Nets.
Russell, who had been the subject of trade rumors in February, enjoyed a productive season in 2022-23, averaging 18.0 points per game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range. He also set a franchise record for three-pointers made in a single season with 226.
Despite the trade rumors and inconsistent playoff performances, Russell surprised many by exercising his $18.7 million player option to return to the Lakers for the 2023-24 season.
This trade marks the fifth time Russell has been traded in the last seven and a half years, highlighting the fluidity of the NBA landscape.
Lewis, a promising 22-year-old forward selected in the second round of the 2023 draft, has seen limited playing time this season, averaging 4.1 minutes per game.
Milton, a 28-year-old guard who averaged 7.4 points,1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his first season with the Nets, will join his sixth NBA team in less than two years. His contract includes $3 million owed next season and $3.3 million in 2026-27.
This trade underscores the Nets’ commitment to building a sustainable future through strategic asset acquisition and salary cap management.The influx of draft picks and cap space positions them well to compete for top talent in the coming years.
Welcome, basketball fans! Today’s topic is a hot one: the recent trade between the Lakers and the nets. This is a notable move with potential playoff implications, so let’s break it down.
First, let’s address the Lakers’ side. they clearly aimed too bolster their defense and gain some financial breathing room,and this trade achieves both. Dorian Finney-Smith is a proven defender who can guard multiple positions, which aligns perfectly with Coach Redick’s system. [[1]]
His career-best three-point shooting this season is also a huge bonus for the Lakers’ offensive strategy. [[1]]
Adding Shake milton provides depth and scoring punch off the bench. The Lakers also shed D’Angelo Russell’s substantial contract, creating financial versatility for future moves. [[1]]
Looking at the Nets, they acquired draft capital and salary flexibility in this three-team deal. This suggests they’re focusing on long-term growth and possibly looking to add young talent through future drafts.
Now, let’s open the floor for discussion. What do you think of this trade? Do you agree that it improves the Lakers’ playoff chances? And what are your thoughts on the Nets’ strategy moving forward?
Remember,keep it respectful and let’s have a vibrant exchange of ideas!
