Lakers Replace Finney-Smith with LaRavia Amid Comparisons

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers faced a significant roster shift as General Manager Rob Pelinka let forward Dorian Finney-Smith leave for the Houston Rockets in free agency. In response, Pelinka quickly signed Jake LaRavia to fill the vacant wing position, igniting immediate comparisons between the two players.

During a recent Q&A, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha was asked whether LaRavia’s addition was an overall upgrade from Finney-Smith. Buha acknowledged that comparing LaRavia to Finney-Smith is somewhat unfair given that LaRavia, at just 23 years old, is still early in his NBA career, while Finney-Smith is a seasoned role player.

Buha noted, “[LaRavia] is more skilled and versatile offensively. He’s a better ball handler and a better creator and playmaker. He’s a better offensive rebounder. … We’ve seen what DFS can do when he shoots five, six, seven 3s per game. He’s been an average to above average shooter.” In the 2024-25 season, LaRavia demonstrated impressive shooting, hitting 42.3 percent from deep, though this was based on only 2.2 attempts per game.

However, the defensive aspect is where Finney-Smith maintains an advantage, as Buha pointed out. LaRavia still has areas to improve defensively and is in competition with Finney-Smith’s established reputation as a defensive asset for the Lakers. Last season, Finney-Smith was essential for the team, contributing significantly whenever he was on the court.

LaRavia’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies hinted that he has potential in the defensive realm as well. Yet the Lakers’ expectations create challenges for LaRavia. He finds himself under pressure to measure up to the impact Finney-Smith had on the team.

The transition puts LaRavia in a difficult position—expected to grow into a reliable role player while constantly being evaluated against a player with Finney-Smith’s experience and success. If he missteps, LaRavia must remember that patience is necessary for his continued development, despite the shadow cast by his predecessor.