Official announcement: Lakers and Nets reach a deal, Russell switches to star striker

 

On December 30th Beijing time, the Lakers officially announced that the team has reached a trade with the Nets, with DeAngelo Russell and Dorian Finney Smith switching clubs.
The specific content of the transaction is that the Lakers traded DeAngelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second round picks (2027, 2030, 2031, all from the Lakers) back to the Nets for Dorian Finney Smith and Shawn Milton.
Finney Smith, 31 years old, is an outstanding 3D winger, averaging 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%.
28 year old Schalke Milton was the number 54 show of 2018, averaging 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.9%.
Russell has been more on the bench this season, averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 33.3%, the lowest in his career scoring average per game.
Maxwell Lewis is the No. 40 Show of 2023 and has represented the Lakers in 41 regular season games so far, scoring a total of only 15 points.
Through this transaction, the Lakers not only increased their flank depth, but also saved $15 million in luxury tax.