Shake Milton expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Los Angeles Lakers following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The guard, who arrived alongside Dorian Finney-Smith in exchange for D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis, is eager to contribute to his new team.
“Your mind just kind of goes everywhere, you know what I mean?” Milton said when reflecting on the trade. “Once you realize where you’re going, you need a second to kind of take it all in. But, man, I’m super excited to be here. This is a crazy feeling.”
Milton also shared his thoughts about playing under Lakers head coach JJ Redick, a former teammate during their time with the Philadelphia 76ers. “I think it’ll be smooth. Knowing what type of guy JJ is, I already know I can come to him and communicate. On top of that, JJ was a hooper—he knows how to play ball, and things translate on the court,” Milton said.
The versatile guard is confident in his ability to adapt to the Lakers’ system. “Whether it’s attacking the paint, creating for myself or others, or spotting up for threes, I think I’ll be able to do whatever the team needs me to do,” Milton added.
He emphasized his excitement about playing alongside teammates like Gabe Vincent and rookie Dalton Knecht, saying, “It’s fun being around guys who know how to play ball.”
Milton brings much-needed depth to the Lakers’ backcourt. His playmaking and scoring abilities have proven valuable off the bench, as he averaged 7.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18.2 minutes per game this season.
The trade strengthens the Lakers’ roster with two key additions. Finney-Smith, a versatile forward, has been excelling this season, shooting 44% from beyond the arc and showcasing defensive versatility.
These acquisitions also provide financial relief for Los Angeles, saving $15 million in salary and luxury tax penalties by moving Russell’s $36 million expiring contract.
Currently 7th in the Western Conference with an 18-13 record, the Lakers are looking to solidify their standing and make a deep playoff run.
