In a significant shake-up, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in a four-player deal that also involves forward Maxwell Lewis and three future second-round picks. The announcement, made on December 29, 2024, marks Russell’s return to Brooklyn, where he previously played from 2017 to 2019.
The Lakers will receive Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton in exchange for Russell and Lewis. This trade comes as the Lakers look to bolster their roster with versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the court. Finney-Smith, known for his defensive prowess and ability to shoot from beyond the arc, is having a standout season, averaging 10.4 points and shooting a career-high 44% from three-point range. Milton adds depth to the backcourt, providing playmaking abilities that the Lakers hope will enhance their offensive flow.
Russell’s tenure with the Lakers has been tumultuous; he averaged a career-low 12.4 points per game this season after being moved to a bench role under new head coach JJ Redick. Despite his struggles this year, Russell’s previous success with the Lakers included helping lead the team to the 2023 Western Conference Finals, where he set a franchise record for three-pointers made in a season.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka expressed gratitude towards Russell in a statement, saying, “We want to thank D’Angelo for his contributions during his time with us and wish him well in Brooklyn.” Meanwhile, Russell’s return to the Nets provides him with an opportunity to reclaim his role as a primary scorer alongside teammates like Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, as Brooklyn aims to improve its offensive output.
This trade signals a strategic shift for both franchises: the Lakers are looking to revitalize their roster amid inconsistent performances, while the Nets continue their restructuring efforts after trading away key players earlier this season. As both teams prepare for the second half of the NBA season, fans will be eager to see how this deal impacts their respective playoff aspirations.
With this trade finalized, all eyes will be on Russell as he embarks on this new chapter in Brooklyn and on how Finney-Smith and Milton will integrate into the Lakers’ system as they aim for championship contention.
