Did Rob Pelinka Make A Mistake Letting Dorian Finney-Smith Go?

Michael

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Post on Jul 03, 2025

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Did Rob Pelinka Make a Mistake Letting Dorian Finney-Smith Go? Lakers' Offseason Decisions Under Scrutiny

The Los Angeles Lakers' tumultuous 2022-2023 season ended in disappointment, and the ensuing offseason has been filled with intense debate regarding General Manager Rob Pelinka's moves. One decision sparking considerable controversy is the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, traded to the Dallas Mavericks as part of the Kyrie Irving acquisition. Did Pelinka make a mistake letting Finney-Smith go? The answer, as with most things in basketball, is complex.

Finney-Smith's Value: More Than Just Stats

While Finney-Smith's raw statistics might not jump off the page (career averages of around 7 points and 4 rebounds), his impact on the court went far beyond the box score. He's a quintessential "3-and-D" player, known for his tenacious defense and consistent three-point shooting. These qualities are highly coveted in the NBA, especially in the playoffs. His defensive versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively, a crucial asset for any contending team.

• Defensive Prowess: Finney-Smith's ability to disrupt opposing offenses was undeniable. He consistently frustrated elite scorers, showcasing his intelligence and physicality on the perimeter.
• Reliable Shooting: His consistent three-point shooting spaced the floor for his teammates, creating opportunities for others to score. This is particularly important in the modern NBA game.
• Intangibles: Beyond the stats, Finney-Smith brought a winning mentality and leadership to the court. His hustle and dedication were infectious, setting a strong example for his teammates.

The Kyrie Irving Trade: A Necessary Evil?

The trade that sent Finney-Smith to Dallas was undeniably a bold move, centered around acquiring Kyrie Irving. The Lakers clearly prioritized adding a high-octane scorer to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The gamble was that Irving's offensive firepower would outweigh the loss of Finney-Smith's defensive tenacity and floor spacing. Whether that gamble paid off remains to be seen, as the Lakers' season ultimately fell short of expectations.

Analyzing the Aftermath: Was the Price Too High?

The question of whether Pelinka made a mistake boils down to evaluating the long-term consequences of the trade. Did the Lakers gain enough in offensive firepower to compensate for the loss of Finney-Smith's defensive contributions and floor spacing? The short answer is: it's debatable. While Irving showed flashes of brilliance, consistency was an issue. The Lakers' overall defensive performance suffered noticeably.

The addition of other players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura aimed to offset the loss, but the team still lacked the consistent defensive grit Finney-Smith provided.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned?

The Lakers' offseason moves highlight the constant balancing act GMs face: prioritizing immediate star power versus building a well-rounded, sustainable roster. The jury is still out on whether Pelinka made the right call in trading Finney-Smith. The coming season will offer a clearer picture, providing crucial insights into the overall effectiveness of the Lakers' offseason strategy. The team's success (or lack thereof) will ultimately determine whether Pelinka's decision to let Finney-Smith go will be seen as a shrewd move or a costly error.

What are your thoughts? Did Rob Pelinka make a mistake? Share your opinions in the comments below!