The Los Angeles Lakers have made several profound trades during the 2024-25 regular season. That includes the successful acquisition of players such as Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith, and the failed attempt to acquire Mark Williams—a deal that was until it wasn't.
One of the unsung heroes of the Lakers' in-season moves is stepping up at a time when the Lakers' perceived lack of backcourt depth could've proved devastating: Shake Milton.
Los Angeles has endured its share of adversity in recent weeks, primarily due to the loss of starters Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves to injuries. The Lakers have been able to lean on Dorian Finney-Smith, LeBron James, and Jarred Vanderbilt to cover for Hachimura, but guard depth isn't exactly a strength.
Gabe Vincent has stepped up in his own right, but Milton's most recent showing epitomized why he's the most underrated contributor in the rotation.
Milton played 19 minutes during the Lakers' 136-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, Mar. 2. That was all he needed to make a profound impact, posting 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals while shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
More importantly, Milton finished the game with an absurd plus-minus of plus-30—a sign of how quickly he can impact the game when his shot is falling.
Shake Milton is an underrated source of Lakers depth
Milton may not be a household name, but he's never had too much trouble finding the bottom of the net. He's a crafty scoring threat who can space the floor or attack depending on what the game calls for and how his role is outlined.
Thus far in 2024-25, he's already scored 10-plus points on 12 occasions and has three 20-point games to his name.
Milton had begun to catch fire before he was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Lakers. In the 15 games that preceded the move, he posted averages of 11.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 three-point field goals made in just 24.6 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .473/.389/.767.
In his last two games with the Nets, he posted 20 points against the Milwaukee Bucks and tallied 16 points and 12 assists against the San Antonio Spurs.
Milton's usage with the Lakers has thus far been limited, which is admittedly likely to continue. What he proved against the Pelicans, however, is that he's more than capable of putting points on the board when minutes come his way.
Thus far in 2024-25, Milton is averaging 13.7 points per game when he receives 20 minutes or more in playing time.
Perhaps Milton's minutes will dissipate once Reaves returns, thus making him a forgotten name once more. Once the playoffs roll around and the Lakers inevitably need unsung heroes to save the day, however, don't be shocked if he steps up.
Milton may not be the nightly inclusion that some would like to see elevate the second unit, but he has all of the tools to thrive whenever his number is called.
