LeBron James Reacts to Lakers Trade of Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton

Jeremy Hanna | Dec 30, 2024

Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell (1) and forward LeBron James (23) wait for play to start against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

NBA fans were shocked when the Los Angeles Lakers made a massive trade to acquire forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for longtime guard D'Angelo Russell, up-and-coming forward Maxwell Lewis, and multiple draft picks.

Now, LeBron James himself has finally weighed in on this blockbuster trade, and he seems to be surprisingly optimistic about it.

"Well, first of all, shout out to D-Law and [Maxwell Lewis}," James said, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. "Obviously, [they're] brothers of ours, and we hate to see anyone leave in any point of the season."

"Obviously, [Finney-Smith and Milton] bring experience, they're bringing toughness, and guys that played them big games, and have mastered their roles throughout their career. And I'm looking forward to them getting into our system."

LeBron James on what Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton bring to the Lakers: pic.twitter.com/cdhRGqdVjJ

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 30, 2024

James then said that both players have "an immediate impact whenever their number's called" and that playing with them "should be fun."

He's not wrong about both players having an impact. Finney-Smith has been a constant presence in the NBA since he went undrafted in 2016 and signed with the Dallas Mavericks. So far this season, he has averaged 10.4 points, 4.6 total rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 steals per game.

Meanwhile, Milton has spent last season bouncing between three teams: the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Detroit Pistons, and the New York Knicks. Now, he finds himself on his fifth team in two years. However, he still offers a lot for the Lakers.

So far in the 2024-25 NBA season, Milton has averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 assists, 1.9 total rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game.

James isn't the only legendary player excited for Finney-Smith and Milton. Magic Johnson has taken to social media to share his joy.

"Laker Nation, I am so excited about the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith," Johnson said. "He’s an excellent defender and 3-point shooter - just what the Lakers needed!"

"Really good move by Rob Pelinka," Johnson said in another post. "The Lakers also acquired Shake Milton!"

While some fans may miss Russell, especially after spending multiple seasons with the Lakers, but it seems that he is in good spirits following the trade, per a report from Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times.

"Talked to someone close to D'Angelo Russell," Woike said. "He's excited for a new opportunity, obviously saw his role diminishing with Lakers. A MASSIVE few months for him as he heads into free agency this upcoming summer. Considering market for Tyus Jones last summer, could be uphill battle."

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