• The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell, rookie Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to strengthen their depth.
• Finney-Smith brings defensive versatility and three-point shooting, while Milton adds backcourt depth and familiarity with coach JJ Redick.
• Both players are eager to contribute, with Finney-Smith embracing a bench role and Milton enhancing the Lakers’ rotation as they aim for a strong push in the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made significant roster moves, acquiring forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, the Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell, rookie Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks to Brooklyn. The trade, finalized on Sunday, aims to bolster the Lakers’ depth as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

Finney-Smith, 31, is a proven defender and a reliable three-point shooter. This season, he has averaged 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and hit 43.5% of his three-point attempts across 20 games. Meanwhile, Milton, 28, has contributed 7.4 points per game in 27 appearances, shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc. Both players bring valuable experience to the Lakers’ lineup and are expected to enhance their rotation on both ends of the court.

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On Monday, Finney-Smith and Milton attended the Lakers’ practice but did not participate, as their physicals were still pending. The team hopes both players will be available for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland. Additionally, center Jaxson Hayes is expected to return from an ankle injury, which will further strengthen the Lakers’ frontcourt. However, guard Gabe Vincent remains questionable due to an undisclosed issue.

Finney-Smith’s Journey and Lakers Fit

For Finney-Smith, the transition to the Lakers represents a fresh start after years of trade speculation. Following his inclusion in the Kyrie Irving trade from Dallas to Brooklyn last year, Finney-Smith admitted he had struggled with the constant trade rumors. “You hear the noise,” he shared. “Last year, I got fed up. I thought I was going to get moved and ended up staying in Brooklyn. This time, I stayed focused and was ready for anything.”

Now with the Lakers, Finney-Smith is embracing his new role. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has already mapped out plans to use him as a backup while keeping Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup. “We’re in a good spot with our starters right now, so [Finney-Smith] will come off the bench,” Redick said. “But he’s versatile and fits easily into any lineup. If adjustments are needed, we’ll make them.”

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Finney-Smith isn’t fazed by coming off the bench. “I just want to win,” he said. “Sometimes what I do doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but if the team wins, I’m happy. I’m excited to play meaningful basketball again.”

Shake Milton’s Role and Familiarity with Redick

Milton, who played alongside Redick during their time in Philadelphia, also brings a sense of familiarity to the Lakers. Redick expressed confidence in Milton’s ability to contribute immediately. The guard’s shooting and playmaking skills add a new dimension to the Lakers’ backcourt, providing additional depth behind starters like Austin Reaves.

For Milton, the transition to Los Angeles offers a chance to be part of a team with championship aspirations. Both he and Finney-Smith are eager to bring their skills and experience to a roster that already features LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

LeBron’s Influence and Finney-Smith’s Perspective

Finney-Smith, known for his toughness on defense, has spent years guarding LeBron James. Now teammates, the two finally had a meaningful conversation. “I’ve been guarding him for nine years, but I’m not too friendly on the court,” Finney-Smith admitted. However, he saw his new partnership as an opportunity and asked James for a pair of his signature shoes. “He said he got me. The hard part was asking. I broke the glass.”

With his new gear in hand, Finney-Smith is ready to take on his Lakers role. “I’m happy to be here,” he said. “In Brooklyn, you feel like the little brother. Now I’m with the big bros.”

Looking Ahead for the Lakers

As the Lakers integrate their new additions, the team appears well-positioned to make a strong push in the competitive Western Conference. The return of Hayes and eventual full health of players like Vincent will only add to their depth. With Finney-Smith and Milton bringing defensive toughness and shooting accuracy, the Lakers have addressed key needs in their roster.

While in-season trades can disrupt team chemistry, both Finney-Smith and Milton seem ready to contribute immediately. As Redick summed up, “They just need to be themselves and bring their winning mentality. That’s exactly what we need.”

The Lakers’ next test comes Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where fans could get their first glimpse of the team’s revamped lineup.

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