The Los Angeles Lakers made waves this week with a blockbuster trade, acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, rookie Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks. The deal, which bolsters the Lakers’ depth and defense, has drawn mixed reactions from fans, but LeBron James is all in on the move.
When asked for his thoughts on the trade, James expressed gratitude for the contributions of the departing players while welcoming the new additions. “First of all, big shout-out to D-Lo and Max-Lew,”James said, via The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “They’re brothers of ours, and we hate to see anyone leave at any point of the season. But obviously, [Finney-Smith and Milton] bring experience, toughness, and a winning mentality.”
LeBron James laughs at himself as he recreates some of his most famous memes in his 40th birthday
James highlighted the potential impact both players could have on the team. “They’ve played in big games and mastered their roles. I’m looking forward to them getting into our system and making an immediate impact whenever their numbers are called,”James added.
Dorian Finney-Smith, known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, is averaging 10.4 points per game on an impressive 44% from beyond the arc this season. His ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions is expected to fill a critical need for a Lakers defense that currently ranks among the bottom five in the NBA. “I can’t wait,” Finney-Smith said of joining the Lakers. “Playing with ‘Bron, I know he’ll find me in that corner. I played with Luka, and now I get to play with another one of the best at finding open shooters.”
Shake Milton boosts Lakers’ bench depth as team eyes playoff push
Shake Milton, a versatile guard, adds depth to the Lakers’ backcourt. Milton has averaged 7.4 points and 2.4 assists per game this season and brings a steady hand as a facilitator and scorer off the bench. His ability to create his own shot is a valuable asset for the team’s second unit.
The Lakers’ coaching staff will now face decisions on how to integrate the newcomers into the rotation. While Finney-Smith’s defensive skills make him a candidate for the starting lineup, Milton’s scoring versatility could strengthen the bench.
With the trade, the Lakers have signaled their intent to make a deeper playoff push. As James emphasized, “We’re here to win, and these guys help us do that.”