Rob Pelinka's Lakers Gamble: Was Letting Go Of Dorian Finney-Smith A Mistake?

Michael

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Post on Jul 03, 2025

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Rob Pelinka's Lakers Gamble: Was Letting Go of Dorian Finney-Smith a Mistake?

The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason moves have been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While the acquisition of several key players generated significant buzz, one decision in particular continues to spark debate: letting Dorian Finney-Smith slip away to the Dallas Mavericks. Was this a costly oversight by General Manager Rob Pelinka, or a calculated risk that could ultimately pay off?

The Lakers' pursuit of a championship requires a delicate balancing act. They need scoring punch, defensive tenacity, and above all, chemistry. Finney-Smith, a versatile forward known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, seemingly ticked several boxes. His departure, therefore, raises questions about the Lakers' overall strategy.

Finney-Smith's Value: Defense and Versatility

Finney-Smith's value lies in his two-way capabilities. He’s a tenacious defender capable of guarding multiple positions, a skill highly valued in today's NBA. His ability to space the floor with a reliable three-point shot makes him an ideal modern-day forward. These attributes could have significantly bolstered the Lakers' relatively thin wing rotation.

• Defensive Prowess: Finney-Smith consistently ranks highly in defensive metrics, providing the grit and intensity often lacking in the Lakers' previous lineups.
• Floor Spacing: His consistent three-point shooting creates space for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate effectively.
• Versatility: His ability to defend multiple positions provides valuable flexibility for coach Darvin Ham.

Losing a player with this combination of skills certainly leaves a hole in the Lakers' roster. The question remains: was the price too high, or did Pelinka prioritize other needs?

Pelinka's Prioritization: A Calculated Risk?

Pelinka likely had specific targets in mind when he decided against pursuing Finney-Smith aggressively. The Lakers' cap space is always a concern, and perhaps Finney-Smith's contract demands didn't align with their budget or overall strategy. Furthermore, the Lakers may have prioritized other players perceived to have a higher ceiling or better fit within their existing roster.

This approach, however, carries significant risk. The NBA is a league of margins, and losing a player like Finney-Smith could prove detrimental, particularly in a tightly contested Western Conference. The Lakers' success hinges on the performance of their key acquisitions and the overall chemistry of the team.

The Impact on the Lakers' Season

The early season results will be crucial in evaluating Pelinka's decision. If the Lakers struggle defensively or lack consistent floor spacing, the absence of Finney-Smith will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Conversely, if their new additions seamlessly integrate and excel, the decision might appear more justifiable.

Analyzing the impact necessitates a comprehensive assessment of:

• Defensive Efficiency: A significant drop in defensive rating could point towards a missed opportunity.
• Offensive Spacing: Difficulties in creating open shots for James and Davis could highlight Finney-Smith's absence.
• Team Chemistry: The overall synergy and performance of the newly constructed roster will play a crucial role.

Conclusion: The Jury is Still Out

Ultimately, whether letting go of Dorian Finney-Smith was a mistake remains to be seen. Rob Pelinka’s decision was likely a calculated risk, a gamble based on his assessment of the available talent and the Lakers’ overall needs. The upcoming NBA season will serve as the ultimate judge, providing the definitive answer to this crucial question. Only time will tell if this proved to be a shrewd move or a costly error in judgment. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.