The Los Angeles Lakers let Dorian Finney-Smith walk in free agency in a move that had fans criticizing Rob Pelinka, but the forward’s struggles have everyone changing their tunes. DFS missed the first 27 games recovering from ankle surgery. Since his return, he has averaged just 3.1 points and shot 24.6 percent from 3-point range. The Lakers got Jake LaRavia at half the price and have not regretted it.
Rockets fans expected Finney-Smith to pick things up after the All-Star break, but a new level of frustration set in on Saturday. The 6’7 forward couldn't make a 3-pointer and was minus-13 in 21 minutes as Houston suffered an embarrassing second-half collapse against the Knicks. DFS has made just two of his eight 3-pointers and is averaging just 22 minutes per contest after the break.
Pelinka is no stranger to taking heat, but this move continues to look genius. The Lakers knew Finney-Smith needed surgery and wisely viewed the three second-round draft picks they gave up to acquire him as a sunk cost. LA found more production at a cheaper cost and immediately moved on.
Rob Pelinka’s best move of the offseason was letting Dorian Finney-Smith walk
Doe-Doe is known as a 3-and-D wing, but hasn’t produced in Houston. He is shooting under 25 percent from long range, and the Rockets have been 4.1 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor. Finney-Smith has produced a negative value over replacement player (VORP) and sits well below league average in win shares per 48 minutes.
Signing Doe-Doe would have severely limited the Lakers flexibility. They wouldn’t have had the room to add Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and LaRavia. Pelinka had to boldly let Finney-Smith walk to accomplish his offseason goals. He took the heat and was quickly proven right.
LaRavia has been one of Pelinka’s best finds. He is making just $6 million this season and has been one of the Lakers' best role players. LaRavia is willing to do anything to help his team win. The 6’7 forward has exploded when LA needed offensive punch and is comfortable just making hustle plays when they don’t. Pelinka getting him to Hollywood on a bargain was a massive win.
Finney-Smith played just 43 regular-season games and one playoff series with the purple and gold. He was a key floor spacer and defender on last year’s squad. Doe-Doe also has a close relationship with Luka Doncic from their days in Dallas together. Fans were surprised to see him go, but Pelinka wisely found a cheaper option capable of offering more production.
LaRavia is eight years younger and better fit for LA’s timeline to build a title contender around Luka. The Lakers GM has made some questionable moves, but not this one. Pelinka was opportunistic and wise.
The Los Angeles Lakers let Dorian Finney-Smith walk in free agency just months after trading three draft picks to acquire him. It seemed baffling, but Rob Pelinka knew he was injured and would struggle to return in top form. He found a younger option with upside and pounced. Credit to Pelinka. It was a bold move that immediately paid dividends for the Lakers.