Lakers Trading Playmaker for Coveted Wing in Massive Deal to End 2024

Trade buzz has surrounded the Los Angeles Lakers ever since their slow start to the 2024-25 season. Both stars and upgrades to the Lakers' supporting cast have been rumored as targets with GM Rob Pelinka looking to fortify this contender.

Now it turns out Los Angeles has pulled off its first major trade of the campaign with only a few days left before New Year's.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers are trading D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

For Rusell, this unfortunately marks the second time in his career that he's been traded from Los Angeles to Brooklyn. He only spent two full seasons with the Nets last time around before he was dealt to the Golden State Warriors. Russell averaged 12.4 points, 4.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds for L.A. over the first 29 games of this season.

Finney-Smith, meanwhile, is finally back playing for a contender after spending the last 2.5 seasons in Brooklyn. The defensive specialist was a hot name of late with the Nets destined for another trip to the lottery. He's also enjoyed a bit of an offensive resurgence this campaign, notching 10.4 PPG, which would be the second-highest mark of his career if it holds.

Though a Russell-for-DFS swap doesn't solve the Lakers' offensive needs, adding a solid secondary unit player in Milton should help Los Angeles down the stretch. After a down season in 2023-24, Milton's rebounded nicely in New York, recording 7.4 PPG and 2.4 APG in only 18.2 minutes per night. Milton could immediately squeeze the disappointing Gabe Vincent out of the rotation and help raise the floor of L.A.'s bench.

With offense still on the wishlist ahead of the trade deadline, this deal likely won't be the last for the Lakers as they seek another title.

In other Lakers news: