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Why LA Lakers replacing Dorian Finney-Smith with Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia is a masterstroke

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 9:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers allowing Dorian Finney-Smith to leave as a free agent was a heavily criticized decision.

After all, the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Dorian Finney-Smith in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks.

It took Finney-Smith just 43 games to become a fan favorite in LA. On top of that, when the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, many believed that DFS’ presence on the roster became even more crucial.

However, after a short stint with the Lakers, Finney-Smith declined his $15.4 million player option and signed with the Houston Rockets on a four-year deal.

Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers replaced Dorian Finney-Smith with Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia

When Finney-Smith was allowed to walk for free, the Lakers received massive flak from their fan base.

Despite being labeled as the losers of free agency, the Lakers stayed firm with their decision and focused on adding other pieces to the roster.

The first addition to the roster was the Sacramento Kings’ Jake LaRavia. LaRavia agreed on a two-year, $12 million deal with the Purple and Gold.

Following the LaRavia acquisition, the Lakers shifted their focus to filling the void at the center position. Rob Pelinka’s job was done when he convinced former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to join the team.

Ayton agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Purple and Gold following his buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Now, coming to grading the moves, the Lakers certainly deserve praise for them.

LA Lakers got better and they saved money

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

In an era when teams are doing everything in their power to avoid the second apron, signing excellent players for as cheap as possible is the ultimate playbook for any NBA general manager.

Well, Pelinka did just that by replacing Finney-Smith with LaRavia and Ayton. To be precise, the aggregate average salary of LaRavia and Ayton comes to $14.3 million for the 2025-26 NBA season.

Stats (2024-25)	Dorian Finney-Smith	Jake LaRavia	Deandre Ayton
Points	8.7 PPG	6.9 PPG	14.4 PPG
Rebounds	3.9 RPG	3.9 RPG	10.2 RPG
Assists	1.4 APG	2.4 APG	1.6 APG
Position	SF/PF	PF	C

Choosing the duo over DFS saves the Lakers $1.1 million in cap space. In addition, the biggest positive that the Laker Nation can rejoice about is getting a more balanced roster ahead of the upcoming season.

No offense to Finney-Smith, but he is already 32 years old. On the other hand, LaRavia and Ayton are 23 and 26 years old, respectively.

All things considered, this places the Lakers in a contending spot for longer and for cheaper than it would have been with DFS on the roster.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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