The Los Angeles Lakers get their first look at D’Angelo Russell back at Crypto.com Arena, but this time in a different uniform, as they host the Brooklyn Nets seeking to stay in the top six in the Western Conference.

L.A. sends Maxwell Lewis and 3 future second-round picks to Brooklyn as part of the deal for Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

Smith's status is in doubt for the Lakers' first meeting with the Nets since acquiring him in a Dec. 29 trade.

The Lakers had competition for Finney-Smith's services. The Grizzlies were close to landing him, per Substack's Marc Stein. That Los Angeles was able to swoop in with a better offer, and without having to sacrifice a first-round pick, is a nice win for them.

The Los Angeles Lakers get their first look at D’Angelo Russell back at Crypto.com Arena, but this time in a different uniform, as they host the Brooklyn Nets seeking to stay in the top six in the Western Conference.

Dorian Finney-Smith missed the Lakers' win on Wednesday due to the birth of his first child, but will he return on Friday versus the Nets?

Davis is grappling with left plantar fasciitis and James is managing a lingering left foot injury. As has been the case for months, bench big men Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood will wait at least another game to make their 2024-25 NBA season debuts,