Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton

The Los Angeles Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton before the 2024-25 NBA season. Russell averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 29 games, playing a diminished role on the Lakers' bench in most games. Despite his reduction in role, head coach JJ Redick expressed that the team will miss Russell's playmaking, ball-handling, and shooting capabilities. The trade marks Russell's second departure from the team and reflects his adaptability with transitions, with him expressing optimism about returning to a familiar environment in Brooklyn.