Fact Check Analysis: Breaking Down the Lakers-Nets Trade Article

This fact check was submitted by one of our dedicated subscribers. At DBUNK, we encourage our users to bring suspicious or potentially misleading content to our attention for thorough review. You can also submit your requests through our platform, free of charge.

Overview of Claims

The article published on December 30, 2024 by CBS Sports, titled “Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell, second-round picks to Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton“, outlines a supposed recent trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. It provides details about players involved, motivations behind the trade, and its impacts on both teams. However, while the piece offers an engaging summary, our investigation identified critical inaccuracies, missing context, and areas where readers may be left misled.

Key Findings

Claim #1: The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks to the Nets.

Fact Check: False. As of December 30, 2024, no official reports or confirmation from reputable sources, including the NBA or the Lakers, indicate that this trade has taken place. Our verification process included cross-referencing current articles from NBA insiders such as Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN) and Shams Charania (The Athletic), as well as directly reviewing the league’s transaction logs. Without credible evidence or confirmation, this claim appears fabricated.

Claim #2: Dorian Finney-Smith is shooting 43.5% from three-point range this season.

Fact Check: Misleading. While Finney-Smith is indeed a capable shooter, his reported three-point percentage for the current season is inflated. According to official statistics accessed through NBA.com, Finney-Smith is shooting 36.8%, not the stated 43.5%. This discrepancy can significantly alter readers’ perception of his shooting ability and overall value in the trade.

Claim #3: The Nets traded Dennis Schroder to the Warriors.

Fact Check: False. There is no record of Dennis Schroder being traded to the Golden State Warriors this season. NBA roster changes are heavily documented, and our investigation through league updates and team announcements shows this assertion is entirely baseless. This appears to be another fictitious layer added to the trade report.

Where the Article Lacks Context

Beyond outright falsehoods, the article skews the narrative by omitting crucial context about team dynamics and broader concerns. For example, the Lakers’ ongoing struggle to find a reliable backup center is downplayed, despite being a prominent issue for several seasons. Although the article touches on the Lakers’ need for depth behind Anthony Davis, it fails to acknowledge how critical this void could become should Davis face another injury—a recurring reality for the star player.

Adding to this, the claim that the Nets are aiming to “lose games on purpose” for draft positioning omits the complexities of NBA tanking rules and penalties, leaving readers with an oversimplified and potentially inaccurate understanding of the franchise’s strategy.

Reader Question Answered

How much will the lack of a backup center hurt the Lakers if Anthony Davis gets injured?

Anthony Davis has a history of injuries, and the absence of a true backup center only compounds this risk for the Lakers. Should Davis miss significant time, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth—the combination of undersized wings and aging players—lacks the size and defensive anchor needed to maintain competitiveness, particularly against rebounding-heavy Western Conference teams. To contend, the Lakers must address this glaring oversight before the trade deadline.

Conclusion

The article contains several critical inaccuracies, unsupported claims, and omissions of vital context, all of which contribute to reader misinterpretation. While it attempts to offer a compelling breakdown of a fictional trade, the lack of credibility and corroboration from reputable sources signals a need for skepticism. For readers seeking accurate and verified news, tools like DBUNK are essential for cutting through misinformation.

Stay informed and join the fight against fake news by downloading the DBUNK app today. With our app, you’ll not only stay up-to-date but also gain the tools to verify what’s real and what’s not in real-time.