Losing Dorian Finney-Smith to kick off free agency was not a good look on the Los Angeles Lakers initially. However, seeing how Rob Pelinka recovered from there and the results it has provided thus far makes the move a very justifiable one as the 2025-26 season marches forward.
The analysis of the decision really depends on how the situation is framed. Losing a glue guy and advanced numbers darling like Finney-Smith can easily be viewed as a tough blow. If the thought process is shifted to him being a necessary casualty of adding Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart, the decision starts to be seen in a lot more positive of a light.