“Always getting traded to the same 3 teams” – Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith, fans go crazy

The Los Angeles Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith spurring wild reactions from fans.

“Always getting traded to the same 3 teams” – Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell to the Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith, fans go crazy

Lakers trade D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith in a blockbuster trade with the Nets

For the second time in his career, D’Angelo Russell is heading back to the Brooklyn Nets after being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers sent Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks (2027, 2030, and 2031) to the Nets. The Lakers will receive forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton in return, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

For the Nets, it’s an opportunity to acquire D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract and additional draft capital, aligning with their rebuilding process. Meanwhile, the Lakers gained a solid 3-and-D wing in Finney-Smith and added depth with Milton while shedding $3 million in salary to create flexibility under the second apron.

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The move will mark a fresh start for Russell, who had been relegated to a bench role with the Lakers. While the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly showed interest in Dorian Finney-Smith, the Nets opted for the Lakers’ offer, likely swayed by the draft picks and financial relief.

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Despite being an All-Star in 2019 during his first stint with Brooklyn, D’Lo’s recent performances have remained underwhelming. In the 2024-25 season, D’Angelo Russell has averaged just 12.4 points per game on 41.5% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three. It is a sharp decline from his 18 PPG and 41% three-point shooting last season. With the move came a wave of reactions from Laker fans.

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Fans go crazy over D’Angelo Russell trade to Nets

The Lakers’ fanbase has generally viewed the trade favorably, with some hailing it as an underrated move that bolsters their playoff aspirations. However, others remain skeptical about whether these changes will propel the team beyond a regularly programmed second-round exit. Social media erupted with reactions as fans discussed D’Angelo Russell’s return to Brooklyn.

The most notable observation from fans was Russell’s return to the Nets. After being drafted by the Lakers in 2015, D’Lo found his way to Brooklyn in 2017 before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2019. He floated around with the Timberwolves soon after leaving the Warriors before returning to the Lakers in 2023. Now, seven years after first arriving in Brooklyn, Russell will return to a familiar situation.

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D’Angelo Russell’s first stint with the Nets was arguably the high point of his NBA journey, culminating in an All-Star appearance and helping the team reach the playoffs in 2019. However, with his production declining and his contract set to expire, he’ll need to prove his worth to secure a long-term role with a franchise looking to build from the ground up.