Rob Pelinka (Image via Getty)

The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant trade with the Brooklyn Nets and gained a lead Dorian Finney Smith and guard Shake Milton in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, rookie Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks.
NBA insider Shams Charania first reported the trade on December 29, 2024, marking a strategic move for both organizations. The deal represents a notable shift in the Lakers’ roster construction while preserving funds for future transactions.
For Russell, the move meant he would return to Brooklyn and this is where his NBA journey began. The former second-rounder returns to the Nets organization five years after being traded to the Golden State Warriors as part of the Kevin Durant deal.
The star of the trade, Finney-Smith, brings his $14,924,167 contract to Los Angeles, while Milton heads to the Los Angeles Lakers in a $2,875,000 deal. This financial structure allows the Lakers to retain their two valuable tradeable first-round picks, preserving ammunition for possible future moves.

Finney-Smith Dorian (Image via Getty)

“The Lakers are sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith,” Charania reported on his social media channels, confirming the trade package associated with the transaction.
The trade has a significant impact on both teams’ depth charts for the 2024-25 NBA season. For the Lakers, the addition of Finney-Smith provides defensive versatility and three-point shooting ability, while Milton adds depth in the backcourt to their rotation.
The departure of Russell, who was a key playmaker for the Lakers, opens up new possibilities in their guard rotation. The addition of rookie Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks demonstrates the Los Angeles Lakers’ commitment to acquiring proven talent while responsibly managing their future assets.
This trade represents another bold move from the Lakers’ front office as they continue to reshape their roster around their core players. Acquiring Finney-Smith and Milton suggests a focus on defensive versatility and shooting and addressing specific needs within their rotation.
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The timing of the transaction, which occurred mid-season, shows that both teams felt the need to make significant moves to improve their respective positions. As the season progresses, we will see how well this trade went for both organizations as they integrate their new players into their systems.