Lakers Acquire Dorian-Finney Smith In Trade That Sends D’Angelo Russell Back To Nets

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move, agreeing to trade point guard D’Angelo Russell, rookie forward Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for veteran wing Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton, NBA sources told ESPN.

As part of the deal, the Lakers are sending their own second-round picks in 2027, 2030, and 2031 to Brooklyn.

Russell, the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, returns to the Nets, where he played for two seasons from 2017-2019. The 28-year-old is currently averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 26.3 minutes per game this season. Notably, this marks Russell’s return to the team that saw him make his lone All-Star appearance during the 2018-2019 season.

The Lakers are theoretically bolstering their roster with the addition of Finney-Smith, a versatile 3-and-D forward. The 31-year-old has been solid for the Nets since his arrival from the Dallas Mavericks in the Kyrie Irving trade in February 2023.

This season, Finney-Smith is averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 43.5% from beyond the arc. Renowned for his defensive versatility, he is the only player this season to defend guards, forwards, and centers for at least 15 half-court matchups per game, according to Second Spectrum (via ESPN).

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has long emphasized positional versatility and toughness, qualities that Finney-Smith will undoubtedly bring to the team. The trade also helps the Lakers’ financial flexibility, as they save $15 million and drop $3.5 million below the second apron, with Finney-Smith holding a player option for next season at $15.4 million.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn continues to stockpile assets, acquiring valuable draft picks and clearing cap space. Russell’s expiring contract adds to the Nets’ growing collection of draft capital, now totaling 31 picks over the next seven years, including 15 first-round selections and 16 second-round picks. With over $60 million in cap space available for the offseason, Brooklyn is positioning itself for future flexibility.

The Nets have also recently made moves to improve their financial standing, including trading Dennis Schröder to the Golden State Warriors earlier this month for three second-round picks. As part of the current deal, the Nets also receive 22-year-old Lewis, who has seen limited action this season, averaging 4.1 minutes per game.

Milton, 28, adds depth to the L.A. backcourt, with averages of 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in his first season with the team.

• NBA Trade Rumors | All coverage from Hoops Wire