The Los Angeles Lakers face decisions about potential acquisitions as NBA free agency begins, but the team is also in danger of losing some of the franchise’s key veterans in the coming weeks. One key piece on the Lakers core may not be a certainty to return to Los Angeles.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Dorian Finney-Smith is open to considering other options in NBA free agency, outside of re-signing with the Lakers.
“If Finney-Smith opted in for $15.4 million for next season, he’d be eligible to sign a four-year deal worth $96.5 million, assuming he signs after July 6 when the free agent moratorium is lifted,” McMenamin wrote in a June 28, story titled, “What we’re hearing about Luka, LeBron and the Lakers’ offseason.”
“A source familiar with the talks told ESPN that while Finney-Smith has interest in returning to L.A., he could look elsewhere for a multiyear deal if the only way to stay with the Lakers is to opt into his deal.”
Let’s dive into Finney-Smith’s future and how it impacts the Lakers.
Lakers Rumors: Dorian Finney-Smith Is Considering Opting Out of $55 Million Contract
It remains to be seen what kind of a market would emerge for Finney-Smith if the veteran decides to explore free agency. Finney-Smith is on a four-year, $55 million contract but has a player option for the 2025-26 season.
It will be worth watching to see if Finney-Smith declares for free agency or decides to play out his current deal. Finney-Smith becoming a free agent would not necessarily mean the forward will not return to Los Angeles. If the vet does depart, it would open up additional opportunities for the Lakers and could allow the team to be more aggressive in free agency.
“But his departure would allow L.A. to open up the full midlevel exception of $14.1 million, which could be split up to pursue multiple free agents seeking a premium contract above the veteran minimum,” McMenamin added. “And if the Lakers didn’t use all of the midlevel exception, they could take on more salary in a trade and absorb the extra money into whatever they have left of the MLE.”
The Lakers Have Been Linked to Potential Trades & NBA Free Agency Moves for a Center
In addition to aiming to retain players like Finney-Smith, the Lakers have also been linked to potential moves to bolster the center position. ESPN’s Bobby Marks listed the following players as potential fits for the Lakers in free agency: Clint Capela, Al Horford, Larry Nance Jr., Kevon Looney, Brook Lopez, Mason Plumlee, Day’Ron Sharpe, Isaiah Jackson, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter, Dorian Finney-Smith, Javonte Green and Jabari Walker.
Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game during 43 appearances for the Lakers in 2024-25. The Lakers already made some intriguing moves by signing several promising undrafted free agents, including Villanova standout Eric Dixon.
“He stands 6-foot-8 with a powerful 260-pound frame, making him a true inside-out mismatch in the Guerschon Yabusele mold,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony detailed in a June 28, story titled, “2025 NBA draft: Value picks, risky moves, ROY predictions.” “Dixon, 24, will need to prove he can hold his own defensively, but he’s got some real toughness and physicality on top of his ability to stretch the floor. I like this addition quite a bit for the Lakers.”
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