LAKERS UPDATED DEPTH CHART AFTER D’LO - DFS TRADE

It seems like just yesterday that we were detailing how it was only a matter of time before D’Angelo Russell and his $18.7 million salary were included in a trade package for a better fitting rotation piece. Come to think of it, it was actually earlier today.

Along with Maxwell Lewis (whom was another Laker needing a new home per our notes dating back to this morning) and 3 future second-round picks, Russell was sent back to his former home in Brooklyn in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith (10.4 PPG | 4.6 APG | 1.6 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.6 BPG | 45.9% FG | 43.5% 3FG | 62.5% FT) and Shake Milton (7.4 PPG | 1.9 RPG | 2.4 APG | 0.6 SPG | 0.00 BPG | 46.5% FG | 38.9% 3FG | 75.8% FT) If you have been following along with our recent literature, then you already know about our adoration for DFS and his 3&D abilities. His injection into the roster should be a cleaner fit in terms of what this team needs in comparison with what Russell provided.

With D’Lo + Lewis out and DFS + Milton in, the rotation is going to look a little different than what we have grown accustomed to thus far in the season. Here is how things project to shake out with regards to the lineup:

*THIS PROJECTION IS BASED ON THE ROSTER WHEN THEY ARE FULLY HEALTHY*

STARTERS

PG | Austin Reaves

SG | Max Christie

SF | Dorian Finney-Smith

PF | LeBron James

C | Anthony Davis

BENCH

PG | Gabe Vincent

SG | Dalton Knecht

SF | Rui Hachimura

PF | Jarred Vanderbilt

C | Christian Wood

RESERVES

G | Jalen Hood-Schifino

G | Bronny James

G | Shake Milton

F | Cam Reddish

C | Jaxson Hayes

This trade may not catapult LA into the upper echelon of the elites, but it should certainly prove beneficial in terms of overall roster balance and versatility. DFS is the prize here, but do not sleep on Milton’s talent and ability to contribute.

We feel a lot better about this team’s chances now than we did this morning. How do you feel? Did the Lakers win the trade? And if so, how much better do you foresee them becoming because of it?

Keep going, Robby P!