Lakers complete blockbuster trade for $14,924,167 wing and finally move on from D'Angelo Russell

The LA Lakers have completed a blockbuster trade to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. LA has sent D'Angelo Russell to the Nets, reuniting the two parties five years since Brooklyn traded the point guard to the Golden State Warriors for Kevin Durant.

Finney-Smith's $14,924,167 contract will be accompanied by Shake Milton's $2,875,000 deal in the trade. Shams Charania, who first broke the report, mentioned that the Lakers parted ways with three second-round picks, preserving their two tradeable firsts for future moves.

The Lakers also moved on from 2023 second-round pick Maxwell Lewis in this deal.

The trade appears to be a massive win for the Lakers, who get one of the top 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Finney-Smith has made a name for himself as one of the best perimeter defenders.

This season, he's averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, shooting a career-high 43.5% from 3 (2.4 made 3s on 5.4 attempts). Finney-Smith provides the balance the Lakers need to be an efficient two-way team. They have too many one-dimensional role players who are either playable on defense or offense. The former Maverick provides a bit of both.

On top of adding to their on-court depth, LA got more financial flexibility. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Lakers tax bill has dropped to $42 million. It was $53.2 million, with D'Angelo Russell's expiring $18.6 million and Maxwell Lewis' $1.8 million contracts. LA is now $3.5 million below the second apron, giving the team more flexibility in trades and the buyout market.