How Does the Lakers' Recent Trade Impact Spurs?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 29, 2024 1:05 PM ET

Record-wise, the Los Angeles Lakers (18-13) and San Antonio Spurs (16-15) are very close, but that's where their similarities end. The Spurs are slowly building a winning roster around generational talent Victor Wembanyama, and the Lakers are centered on an all-time great in LeBron James. Wemby is 19 years younger than James, so the two teams are on vastly different timelines.

Both teams have been included in their fair share of NBA trade rumors. The Spurs, with their plethora of draft picks, have been linked to young, talented players like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young who can add to the young core in San Antonio.

The Lakers, meanwhile, have been linked to pretty much anyone who can bolster their title hopes. Both teams were expected to make a move before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, and on Sunday the Lakers struck first.

After months of speculation, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Lakers are sending D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for wing defender Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

So far this season, the Lakers' 115.6 defensive rating is good for 21st in the NBA, and adding a solid defender on the perimeter has long been a priority. Finney-Smith can guard multiple positions and can slot into JJ Redick's starting lineup or come off the bench as needed.

The Spurs were never linked to Finney-Smith, but one of his Nets teammates, Cameron Johnson, is reportedly on the Spurs' radar.

The Spurs are 0-2 on the season against Los Angeles and have two matchups at home against the Lakers in January, so they will have multiple chances to take on the new-look Hollywood roster.

Check out the Inside the Spurs homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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