The Los Angeles Lakers will have to bid for Dorian Finney-Smith‘s return next season.
That’s because Finney-Smith is declining $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania reports, citing sources.
Charania added that “multiple contending teams” will pursue Finney-Smith when NBA Free Agency opens on Monday, June 30, but he also doesn’t rule out a possible Lakers return.
Losing Finney-Smith to another contender would be a massive blow to the Lakers. They did not give up three second-round picks, D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis for just a half-season rental of the 3-and-D wing.
But if Finney-Smith decides to play elsewhere, the Lakers would gain access to the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to pursue a significant free agent.
Dorian Finney-Smith Credited for Lakers Turnaround
Getty Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Finney-Smith was one of the trusted players of Lakers coach JJ Redick. He played him 28.8 minutes per game. Though Finney-Smith’s numbers — 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals — doesn’t not pop out, Redick credited the 32-year-old forward for making the Lakers’ defense the best in the league during a two-month stretch after his arrival.
“He’s brought a level of toughness,” Redick said, per ClutchPoints’ Erik Slater at the time. “Certainly, communication and the spirit to want to defend. I think guys have responded well to who he is as a player, a teammate, a person. He’s just fit right in. Our season kind of turned around, and the energy and spirit of our group turned around when we got him. He’s been huge for us.”
Finney-Smith was also one of their most reliable 3-point shooters, hitting 39.8% from long distance. His built-in relationship with Luka Doncic was also valuable when the Lakers traded for his former Dallas Mavericks teammate in February.
Last Big Payday
Finney-Smith hinted that he will not be taking a discount.
“You see what just happened with Luka (Dončić)? Finney-Smith said in a March interview with Hoopshype.
“So, you’ve got to make sure you take care of yourself first,” Finney-Smith quickly added. “We need to finish the season strong. If we win, everybody eats (smiles).”
The Lakers could only offer Finney-Smith a maximum of three years, $56.4 million after they traded for him in December.
At his age, this could be his last big payday.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported for “The Stein Line” Substack newsletter that Finney-Smith will be one of the top wings at the midlevel market for teams looking for frontcourt upgrades.
LeBron’s Looming Decision
GettyLos Angeles Lakers star LeBron James mulls his future.
Finney-Smith’s decision could have a big impact on the Lakers’ offseason and a potential LeBron James decision.
James picked up his $52.6 million player option, but he put the Lakers on notice.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN that his top client wants to compete for a championship next season and that they will closely monitor the Lakers’ offseason activities.
“So, what we do know is he will be playing a record 23rd NBA season,” Charania said on SportsCenter following James’ decision to opt in. “Still not sure whether he plays one more season or he has multiple years left, but I’m told he wants to compete for a championship next season, and he is uncertain about the Lakers roster moving forward.”
The Lakers only have a first-round pick (2031 or 2032), a few expiring salaries and up to four pick swaps to make a significant upgrade to a roster that lost in five games in the first round of the playoffs.
“So, what we do know is he will be playing a record 23rd NBA season,” Charania said. “Still not sure whether he plays one more season or he has multiple years left, but I’m told he wants to compete for a championship next season, and he is uncertain about the Lakers roster moving forward.”
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