The Los Angeles Lakers are said to have moved guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in a major midseason transaction. The agreement, which was completed on Sunday, represents a strategic change for the Lakers as they retool their roster and the start of a new chapter in Russell’s extensive NBA career.

ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed the trade’s specifics, including Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith moving to Los Angeles. In order to maintain their competitiveness in the Western Conference playoff race, the Lakers are attempting to maximize their lineup around their best players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers’ Time with Russell

Russell had two different spells with the Lakers, illustrating a career filled with highs and lows. Russell was moved to the Brooklyn Nets after spending his first two seasons with Los Angeles, where he was originally selected as the No. 2 overall choice in the 2015 NBA Draft. He became a true star while playing with the Nets, and in the 2018–19 season, he was selected to the All-Star team. He demonstrated his ability to score and create plays that season by averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals a game.

In 2022, Russell was traded back to the Lakers by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was a key contributor to Los Angeles’ run to the Western Conference Finals in the 2022–2023 season. He had one of his most productive seasons last season, shooting a career-high 41.5% from outside the arc and averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers per game.

Russell’s performance has, however, noticeably declined in the 2024–25 campaign. He has shot 41.5% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range while averaging 12.4 points and 4.7 assists per game in 29 games. His diminished responsibilities and patchy performance stoked rumors about his future with the team, which culminated in this historic move.

The Lakers’ New Appearance

Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith, two players who could meet the Lakers’ immediate needs, are brought to Los Angeles via the transaction. A dynamic forward, Finney-Smith is renowned for both his ability to stretch the floor with dependable perimeter shooting and his defensive skills. His arrival might give the Lakers the rotational space and defensive steadiness they sorely need.

The explosive guard Shake Milton gives the Lakers’ backcourt more depth. Milton, who is well-known for his playmaking and scoring bursts, might strengthen the team’s second unit and work well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team’s standout duo.

Russell’s departure from the Lakers demonstrates their dedication to assembling a diverse supporting cast that can contend in the crowded Western Conference. Los Angeles intends to maintain its playoff ambitions and make the most of the championship window while James is there with this roster change.

The Nets’ Second Stunt for Russell

Russell’s return to Brooklyn, the site of his finest professional years, is symbolized by the trade. Russell might be given the chance to play a bigger part by the Nets, who are presently going through a transitional period. The guard has an opportunity to increase his worth before free agency by getting back to his All-Star level of play before his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Russell has a great opportunity to rebuild himself as a main offensive option on Brooklyn’s squad, which is anchored by emerging star Mikal Bridges and a variety of young talent. Russell’s ability to score and create plays should be helpful to the Nets, who are trying to stay competitive while rebuilding and hope to qualify for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Consequences of the Trade

For both teams, this move marks a sea change. It represents a calculated risk for the Lakers to retool their team and fix their current shortcomings. Their immediate objectives of increasing offensive consistency and defensive versatility around their core players are in line with the arrivals of Milton and Finney-Smith.

With Russell’s signing, the Nets have a seasoned scorer and facilitator who can mentor their youthful team. It might increase the team’s chances of winning this season and serve as a possible building stone for the future if Russell flourishes in Brooklyn and returns to his All-Star form.