Lakers acquire Dorian Finney-Smith, trade D’Angelo Russell to the Nets
LA TimesThe Lakers have finally landed wing Dorian Finney-Smith, a “three-and-D” player the team has coveted for more than a season, by sending out D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers also acquired reserve guard Shake Milton in the deal, which helped them trim nearly $3 million in payroll and gives them flexibility under the second salary cap apron. Russell helped the Lakers reach the Western Conference Finals that season, and his play in the second half of last season helped push the Lakers to 47 wins. But concerns about his defense and playoff performances along with the emergence of Austin Reaves helped push Russell to the bench this season, and with the Lakers’ improving defense, the point guard saw his minutes and offensive opportunities cut.