Assets are destined to come and go during NBA free agency. 

Los Angeles Lakers fans hoped the franchise would retain Dorian Finney-Smith after the 2024-25 season.

However, due to the Lakers’ mishandling of Finney-Smith’s situation, the disgruntled forward bolted for the Houston Rockets after declining his $15.4 million player option. 

Fortunately for diehard Lakers supporters, the organization officially signed 6-foot-7 sharpshooter Jake LaRavia to potentially help replace Finney-Smith’s production on the wing on Sunday. (especially if a De’Anthony Melton signing never materializes). 

“OFFICIAL: Jake LaRavia — Laker,” The Lakers wrote on X/Twitter. 

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s following statement suggests he’s optimistic about the move.

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“Jake is a high IQ two-way player with ideal skills for a JJ Redick basketball system,” Pelinka stated. “He’s a disruptive defender who uses his size and physicality to create turnovers. Offensively, he can score at all three levels and has a knack for creating space for himself and his teammates.”

While LaRavia only averages 6.9 points for his career, there’s no question he’s a solid offensive fit alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. 

The Lakers’ superstar duo thrives when they can locate capable shooters on the perimeter and rely on them to finish possessions with made three-point baskets.

LaRavaia connected on 42.3% of his long-range jumpers with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings last season, improving his career three-point shooting percentage to 37.1%. 

Considering the Wake Forest product isn’t a slouch on the defensive end, either, the Lakers should feel confident about their newly signed forward’s chances of contributing from the get-go in 2025-26.

More NBA: Lakers officially lose disgruntled forward in free agency following historic seven-team trade