Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal?

Sure. The Nets need playmaking. Russell is a playmaker. They’re giving up the best player in this trade (Finney-Smith), but they also have a surplus of similar 3-and-D wings. This deal may balance their roster.

Yet, it also improves their future. This pick from the Lakers will have reasonable value on the trade market. The Nets already have a solid collection of assets. Following this deal, they’ll be in a better position to trade for a star when they become available. Meanwhile, don’t sell Hachimura short. He’s proven himself to be a solid contributor. This deal helps the Nets prepare for the future, and it could even make them more competitive in the present.

Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal?

Plenty. The Lakers shouldn’t hesitate to make this deal. It should make them a substantially better team.

For starters, Dennis Schröder may be a better fit than Russell next to James because of Dennis and Bron's chemistry. Sure, Russell is the better playmaker. James is in a different league than either in that regard. Schröder’s superior scoring chops may serve this team better than Russell’s floor vision. Still, this is all about Finney-Smith for the Lakers. He’s a versatile defender who spaces the floor. This is the type of player that the Lakers are missing, and adding him could get them back to title contention. As usual, those are the expectations for the Lakers.