In a surprising move on Sunday,the los angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets agreed to a trade that sent D’Angelo Russell,Maxwell Lewis,and three future second-round picks to Brooklyn in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and shake Milton. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed gratitude for russell’s contributions during his second stint with the team while welcoming the new additions to the Lakers roster.
“We extend our sincere thanks to D’Angelo for his contributions during his second tenure with the Lakers. We shared some memorable moments and achievements together on the court. We wish him and Maxwell Lewis all the best in their future endeavors with the Brooklyn Nets,” Pelinka stated through NBA insider Michael Scotto. “This trade allows us to bolster our core with Dorian Finney-Smith’s physicality, toughness, and extraordinary shooting abilities. We also value shake Milton’s playmaking skills. We’re eager for our fans to witness the talents of both players on the court.”
This marks the second time Russell has been traded from the Lakers to the Nets, with Pelinka orchestrating both deals. The first trade occurred just months after pelinka assumed the role of General Manager in 2017. This season, Russell averaged 12.4 points,4.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting 41.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. His playing time dipped to 26.8 minutes per game, the lowest as the 2017-18 season. Notably, Russell’s scoring average this season represents a decline from his 18 points per game average in the previous season.
trading Russell Again: A Smart Move or Deja Vu for the Lakers?
Welcome back sports fans! Today, we’re diving deep into the latest shakeup in the NBA – the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to trade D’Angelo Russell back to the Brooklyn Nets. To help us dissect this move, we have a true basketball legend, Hall of Famer and former Lakers guard, Gary Payton joining us. Welcome, Gary!
Gary Payton: Thanks for having me! Always love talking hoops.
Moderator: So Gary,Rob Pelinka,the Lakers’ General Manager,said this trade strengthens their core. Do you agree?
Gary Payton: It’s definitely a move with potential benefits.Finney-Smith brings toughness and those three-point skills the Lakers desperately need. Milton adds playmaking depth. But let’s be honest, D’Angelo had struggled this season. His scoring was down, and his minutes were shrinking.
Moderator: Russell averaged a respectable 12.4 points per game, but you’re saying that’s not enough for the Lakers? Considering their championship aspirations?
Gary Payton: Look, the Lakers need more than respectable. They need a spark, a consistent scoring threat alongside LeBron.D’Angelo wasn’t providing that. This move gives them a different look, relies less on Russell’s shot creation, and prioritizes defensive grit.
Moderator: fascinating point. What about the fact that this is Russell’s second time being traded from the lakers to the Nets? Do you think older fans are thinking “here we go again?”
Gary Payton: (Laughs) It’s definitely unusual! And you can understand why some fans might feel that way.But it’s a different organization now, even if Pelinka was involved both times.
Moderator: Right,Pelinka took over as GM back in 2017,when the first Russell trade happened. Do you think this latest trade reflects a good understanding of player advancement and roster management by Pelinka?
Gary Payton: It’s hard to say definitively.This move was clearly about making the Lakers more competitive right now. I think radiates a bit of panic, a willingness to shake things up, even if it means letting go of a player they invested in.
Moderator: That certainly raises questions.
What do you think, fans? Are the Lakers right to trade Russell again? Or is this a recipe for disappointment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
We’ll be right back with Gary Payton, discussing the Lakers’ future and what this trade means for their championship hopes. Don’t go anywhere!
