The NBA insider Marc Stein claims that the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer that interested in a D’Angelo Russell-Dejounte Murray trade. In his January 28 substack newsletter, Stein wrote, “The Lakers were initially said to be willing to package Russell with a first-round pick in 2029 and a first-round pick swap in exchange for Murray — with Austin Reaves completely off limits. That pursuit appears to have been dialed back some with Russell playing so well.”The NBA insider Marc Stein claims that the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer that interested in a D’Angelo Russell-Dejounte Murray trade. In his January 28 substack newsletter, Stein wrote, “The Lakers were initially said to be willing to package Russell with a first-round pick in 2029 and a first-round pick swap in exchange for Murray — with Austin Reaves completely off limits. That pursuit appears to have been dialed back some with Russell playing so well.In order to position themselves as serious playoff contenders and gain the much-needed momentum to move up in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers should consider a three-team trade proposal that addresses their deficiencies in critical areas as the trade deadline approaches.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Bruce Brown to the Los Angeles Lakers
Receivers for the Toronto Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino and Rui Hachimura
Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2029 first-round pick are acquired by the Brooklyn Nets (via Lakers)
Dorian Finney-Smith and Bruce Brown to the Los Angeles Lakers
Receivers for the Toronto Raptors: Jalen Hood-Schifino and Rui Hachimura
Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and a 2029 first-round pick are acquired by the Brooklyn Nets (via Lakers)At last, the Lakers get shooting and defense.
The Los Angeles Lakers strategically acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Bruce Brown in this planned three-team deal. Both players provide a combination of three-point shooting ability and defensive power to improve the team’s overall performance.Coming from the Toronto Raptors, Brown brings a well-rounded skill set that includes scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. With averages of 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, Brown adds versatility to the Lakers’ backcourt. Brown’s defensive tenacity and ability to contribute in a variety of ways make him a valuable addition. Brown’s previous experience playing in different systems, such as his time with the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers this season, indicates adaptability and a capacity to fit into the Lakers’ system effortlessly.Hailing from the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith arrives with a reputation for being a reliable three-and-D player. His stat line of 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, along with an impressive 38.3% from beyond the arc, underscores his ability to space the floor effectively. Finney-Smith’s defensive skills and outside shooting make him an ideal complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Coming from a team like the Nets, who are currently in a middle-of-the-pack position in the Eastern Conference, Finney-Smith provides a fresh perspective and hunger for success.
A group that includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves becomes more balanced and formidable with the addition of Brown and Finney-Smith. Russell’s scoring is complemented by Brown’s playmaking and defensive brilliance, and Finney-Smith’s shooting takes care of a critical need for floor spacing around LeBron and Davis. The Lakers’ starting lineup becomes more defensively aggressive without compromising offensively, making them a more adaptable club that can win different kinds of games.
With the addition of Brown and Finney-Smith, a squad that already had LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves becomes more cohesive and formidable. Brown’s playmaking and defensive prowess compliment Russell’s scoring, and Finney-Smith’s shooting takes care of a crucial floor spacing requirement surrounding LeBron and Davis. The Lakers’ starting lineup shifts to a more aggressive defensive lineup without sacrificing offensive performance, which helps them become a more versatile team that can win a variety of games.
