D’Angelo Russell Traded to Brooklyn Nets for Second Time in His NBA Career

D’Angelo Russell’s Return to the Brooklyn Nets

For the second time in his NBA career, D’Angelo Russell has been traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets. The trade, initially reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, sends Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

A Brief Look at Russell’s Career

Russell, 28, started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers when he was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. After a promising start, his production stalled, and behind-the-scenes issues led to the Lakers trading him to Brooklyn in 2017. He was named an All-Star in 2019 with Brooklyn, before being traded to the Golden State Warriors that same year. After just one season in San Francisco, he was again traded, this time to the Minnesota Timberwolves; he subsequently rejoined the LeBron James-led Lakers in a mid-season trade from Minnesota in 2023.

Struggling with Production

Russell struggled this season for the Lakers, shooting just 41% and averaging 12.5 points in 26 minutes per game.

The Trade Details

The trade sends Russell, Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. The Lakers will receive some much-needed size in the form of 6-foot-7 Finney-Smith, a solid defender and three-point shooter with a nine-year career.

The Brooklyn Nets’ Perspective

The Nets, who are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings at 12-19, will be looking to Russell to boost their offense. Finney-Smith, 31, spent six full seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before heading to Brooklyn in the trade that landed Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

Conclusion

D’Angelo Russell has once again been traded, this time from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets. The trade sends Russell, Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. The Lakers will receive some much-needed size in Finney-Smith, a solid defender and three-point shooter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was D’Angelo Russell traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets?
A: Russell was traded to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

Q: What was Russell’s production like this season with the Lakers?
A: Russell struggled, shooting just 41% and averaging 12.5 points in 26 minutes per game.

Q: What is Dorian Finney-Smith’s reputation in the NBA?
A: Finney-Smith is known for being a solid defender and three-point shooter, having developed a reputation over his nine-year career.