Jake LaRavia might already be a better fit — and a better bargain — than Dorian Finney-Smith ever was for the Lakers. It’s early, sure, but the impact speaks for itself. In limited action, LaRavia has outproduced DFS across the board, giving Los Angeles a younger, cheaper, and more versatile option in the exact role Finney-Smith once filled.
Through his first stretch of games as a Laker, LaRavia is averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting an eye-popping 60 percent from the field, 50 percent from three, and 57 percent from the line. Finney-Smith, by comparison, averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in the same role, with shooting splits of 44/40/71. But LaRavia is doing it all on a $6 million contract, while DFS was making $15 million.
Efficiency Meets Versatility
At nearly half the cost, Jake LaRavia has given the Lakers more scoring, more efficiency, and just as much defensive energy. His mix of shooting touch, movement, and basketball IQ has made him a seamless fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and his offensive versatility adds something the team sorely missed last year — a forward who can create rather than just spot up.
Respect Where It’s Due
Still, it’s fair to tap the brakes a bit. Finney-Smith’s résumé carries weight. He’s been through multiple playoff runs, defending elite wings on the biggest stage. LaRavia hasn’t done that yet. DFS hasn’t even suited up this season, making it hard to compare sample sizes cleanly. Finney-Smith also brings a level of vocal leadership and interior toughness that’s hard to replicate, often helping his teams play small without getting bullied on the glass.
The Better Offensive Fit
But when you watch the tape, the difference is obvious. LaRavia is smoother offensively — a true three-level scorer who can get downhill, hit floaters, or bury threes off movement. Finney-Smith, by contrast, was more of a catch-and-shoot specialist, solid but limited when it came to shot creation. Redick’s motion-heavy system rewards players who can think and react quickly, and LaRavia’s instincts have made him the perfect glue guy in those sequences.
Bottom Line:
So yes, it’s early — but if this trajectory holds, the Lakers may have found a massive upgrade for less than half the price. Jake LaRavia is shaping up to be one of the smartest, most economical moves of the offseason — a true modern-day bargain in purple and gold.
