Plus-Minus +219! Did Pelinka Pull Off Another Masterstroke by Acquiring Finney-Smith?

In a season where the Los Angeles Lakers are making a serious push for the championship, one of the most quietly impactful moves they made was acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. While the spotlight often shines on the big-name players like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, Finney-Smith has emerged as a crucial piece of the Lakers’ puzzle, offering a rare blend of defense, three-point shooting, and versatility. The trade that brought him to Los Angeles has become increasingly recognized as one of General Manager Rob Pelinka’s best moves. But just how valuable has Finney-Smith been to the Lakers?

When the Lakers clinched a 104-98 victory against the Houston Rockets, the story of the game wasn’t necessarily about the star trio of Dončić, James, and Reaves. Instead, it was the surprising contributions of the role players, particularly Finney-Smith, that tipped the balance in Los Angeles' favor. In a game where the core trio combined for just 48 points, Finney-Smith delivered a standout performance with 20 points, including six three-pointers on eleven attempts. His shooting accuracy and defensive prowess played a significant role in ensuring that the Lakers maintained control of the game.

Finney-Smith’s influence extended far beyond his scoring. The stat that truly encapsulates his value to the team was his plus-minus rating of +16, the highest on the team. In a game that was decided by just six points, this figure speaks volumes about his impact on both ends of the floor. It's important to note that while plus-minus isn’t the be-all and end-all metric, it’s a reflection of a player's contribution to his team’s performance while on the court. In Finney-Smith’s case, his on-court presence was a game-changer.

On offense, he not only filled his role as a reliable shooter but also kept the defense honest. With the Lakers' primary stars being heavily targeted by the Rockets’ defense, Finney-Smith found ways to make the most of his opportunities, hitting open threes when the team needed them most. His back-to-back threes in the third quarter were pivotal in the Lakers reclaiming the lead. But it was his defense that truly stood out. Whether it was his one-on-one defense, his ability to switch on pick-and-rolls, or his relentless effort on the boards and in boxing out, Finney-Smith’s contributions made him an indispensable part of the Lakers’ lineup.

Since joining the Lakers, Finney-Smith has played in 37 games, averaging 28.5 minutes per game. His stat line of 7.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1 steal per game doesn't immediately scream "superstar," but his impact goes far beyond the box score. His shooting splits of 43.6% from the field, 38.6% from three, and 68.4% from the free-throw line make him a reliable option on offense, but it's his defense that truly sets him apart.

Over the course of his time with the Lakers, Finney-Smith has disrupted opponents’ shooting rhythm to an impressive degree. He’s averaged 10.6 contested shots per game, causing a 3.3% decrease in opponents’ shooting accuracy. More notably, opposing teams’ three-point shooting percentage drops by 6.5% and their two-point shooting drops by 2.6% when Finney-Smith is on the floor. Those numbers illustrate just how valuable he is in disrupting the opposing offense.

When Finney-Smith is on the court, the Lakers are significantly more efficient. His net rating of +10.6 points per 100 possessions leads the team, and when he's off the court, the Lakers’ net rating drops to -3.6 points per 100 possessions. That’s a dramatic swing, showcasing just how much of an impact he has on the floor. His cumulative plus-minus since joining the Lakers stands at +219, which leads the team by a wide margin, with Austin Reaves being the second-highest at +130. These numbers demonstrate just how pivotal Finney-Smith has been to the Lakers’ success, even if his contributions don't always show up in the scoring column.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Finney-Smith’s fit with the Lakers is his synergy with his teammates, particularly with Dončić. Since Dončić's arrival, Finney-Smith has been his longest-tenured teammate, and the pair has built a strong on-court connection. Over the 512 minutes they’ve played together, the Lakers have outscored their opponents by 11.9 points per 100 possessions when Dončić and Finney-Smith share the floor. This pairing has given the Lakers a dynamic that allows them to maximize their scoring potential while still locking down defensively. It’s clear that the two former Dallas Mavericks have a chemistry that works well, both on and off the court.

But let’s not overlook the sheer genius behind Rob Pelinka's trade for Finney-Smith. In exchange for Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and three second-round picks, Pelinka managed to acquire a high-level 3-and-D player whose fit with the Lakers is nearly perfect. The fact that this deal didn’t require the Lakers to part with a first-round pick only makes the acquisition even more remarkable. Pelinka recognized that the Lakers needed more than just offensive firepower from players like Dončić, James, and Reaves. They needed someone who could contribute without needing the ball in his hands – a player who could space the floor with his shooting and lock down opposing players on defense. In Finney-Smith, Pelinka found that player, and it’s hard to overstate how much of a steal this trade has been.

Let’s not forget that this season is also a contract year for Finney-Smith. With his player option for next season valued at $15.39 million, it’s clear that he’ll be looking for a new, lucrative deal. It’s highly likely that Finney-Smith will land a significant contract extension, and with the way he’s played this season, there’s no question that he’s earned it. For the Lakers, locking him down to a long-term deal would be a critical move, as he has proven to be indispensable to their success. He may not be the headliner in the way that Dončić or James are, but his all-around contributions have made him a key cog in the Lakers' quest for a title.

From a broader perspective, the Lakers have made a habit of finding undervalued role players who can fit seamlessly into their system. Finney-Smith is just the latest example of Rob Pelinka’s eye for talent. While the trade for Dončić certainly generated more headlines, it’s moves like the acquisition of Finney-Smith that make a championship contender even more dangerous. His defensive prowess, ability to shoot the three-ball, and overall basketball IQ make him a perfect complement to the Lakers’ star trio.

In many ways, the Lakers' path to a title isn't just about the big names. It's about the role players who step up when needed and contribute in meaningful ways. Finney-Smith has done that and more since joining the Lakers. If they are to make a deep playoff run, it will be players like him who will help push them over the top. For Pelinka, acquiring Finney-Smith for so little is a testament to his acumen as a general manager. It’s not just about making flashy trades; it’s about finding the right pieces to complement your stars. In this case, Pelinka has done just that, and it looks like the Lakers may be poised for something special in the postseason.

Finney-Smith’s impact on the Lakers is undeniable, and as the season progresses, it’s clear that he will continue to play a major role in their success. Whether it’s his defense, his shooting, or his leadership, Finney-Smith has proven that he’s one of the most underrated acquisitions of the year. If the Lakers are to win a championship, he will surely be one of the key players that helps make that a reality.