On December 29, 2024, the Lakers and Nets executed a major trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka declared in a statement,
“We want to thank D’Angelo for his second stint with us, where we celebrated some great moments and accomplishments on the court together. We are thrilled to add the physicality, toughness and elite shooting that Dorian Finney-Smith will bring to our core. We also greatly value the playmaking of Shake Milton. We are excited for our fans to get both of these players out on the court.”
Via Fox Sports
This deal, announced shortly before the trade deadline, has significant implications for both franchises.
Russell’s reduced playing time with the Lakers this season played a significant role in this recent change.
Coming off the bench, he averaged about 26 minutes per game, a noticeable decrease from the 32.7 minutes he logged last season.
This diminished role led to career-low averages of 12.4 points and 4.7 assists per game.
For the Lakers, the trade addresses critical needs.
By acquiring Finney-Smith and Milton, the Lakers have bolstered their wing depth and defensive prowess while also adding reliable three-point shooting.
Additionally, the move also provides the Lakers with greater financial flexibility, lowering their salary commitments by approximately $3.5 million below the second tax apron.
From the Nets’ perspective, the trade is part of their ongoing roster rebuild.
Russell, a former All-Star who previously played for the Nets between 2017 and 2019, can bring leadership and playmaking abilities to a team brimming with draft capital and salary cap space for future seasons.
D’Angelo Russell Expresses Excitement Following The Trade
Though the trade represents a shift from a contending team to one in the midst of rebuilding, Russell is reportedly embracing the opportunity and excited about it.
According to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times, Russell views this move as a fresh start in Brooklyn.
Talked to someone close to D'Angelo Russell. He's excited for a new opportunity, obviously saw his role diminishing with Lakers. A MASSIVE few months for him as he heads into free agency this upcoming summer. Considering market for Tyus Jones last summer, could be uphill battle
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) December 29, 2024
After experiencing a diminished role with the Lakers, Russell is eager to take on a larger responsibility and make his mark during this pivotal phase of his career.
However, Russell has been traded 5 times within the last 7 years.
And this isn’t the first time he has been traded from Los Angeles to Brooklyn.
Back in 2017, the Lakers traded him to the Nets after his first two seasons, bringing Brook Lopez and Kyle Kuzma to Los Angeles.
The move turned out to be a pivotal moment in Russell’s career.
During the 2018-19 season, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, averaging 21.1 points and 5.2 assists per game.
His stellar performance earned him his first and only All-Star selection and propelled Brooklyn to the playoffs as the team’s top option.
That standout year led to Russell securing a lucrative four-year, $117 million maximum contract with the Nets, part of a sign-and-trade deal sending him to the Golden State Warriors.
The trade sending D’Angelo Russell back to Brooklyn marks another chapter in his eventful NBA journey.
While the move signals a transition for both him and the Nets, his excitement about it signifies Russell’s opportunity to shine as a leader.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- D’Angelo Russell is also known by his nickname “DLo.”
- He was born on February 23, 1996.
- He entered the NBA in 2015.
