The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a solid start to the season with an 18-13 record in 31 games.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the team traded D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis (and three second-round picks) to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that landed them Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.
Many people reacted to the news, and one person who sent out a post was Basketball Hall of Famer (and Lakers legend) Magic Johnson.
Johnson’s first post: “Laker Nation, I am so excited about the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s an excellent defender and 3-point shooter – just what the Lakers needed!”
Johnson’s second post: “Really good move by Rob Pelinka. The Lakers also acquired Shake Milton!”
Finney-Smith is expected to be a big addition to the roster.
The nine-year veteran is currently averaging 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while shooting 45.9% from the field and 43.5% from the three-point range in 20 games.
Via Charania: “The Lakers land a versatile, 3-and-D addition with Dorian Finney-Smith, who is shooting a career-high 44% from 3-point land. L.A. also creates salary and luxury tax flexibility, saving $15 million. Nets receive draft capital and clean salaries in return.”
The Lakers are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now.
They have won two games in a row (and are 6-4 over their last ten).
On Tuesday, the Lakers will resume action when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Los Angeles, California.
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