LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has declined his $15.4 million player option for next season. This decision makes him an unrestricted free agent starting July 1. Dorian Finney-Smith declining his player option choice puts the Lakers in an interesting spot. Finney-Smith could still return to L.A., but rival contenders want the veteran too. So essentially, he could leave the Lakers for absolutely nothing in free agency.
41.1% 3PT Laker Wing, Dorian Finney-Smith Makes Contract Decision, Set To Leave
LeBron James Stays, but Questions Linger
LeBron James had opted into his $52.6 million contract for 2025–26 just hours ago. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN that James will “closely monitor” the Lakers’ next moves. He wants to “compete for a championship,” Paul said.
Yet, this doesn’t guarantee James stays long-term. The Lakers now juggle the fallout of Finney-Smith declining his player option, LeBron’s looming future, finding a starting center, and extension talks with Luka Dončić and Rui Hachimura.
DFS Boosted the Lakers
Finney-Smith, 32, landed in Los Angeles through a trade with the Brooklyn Nets last December. He instantly impacted the Lakers’ rotation.
He averaged 28.8 minutes and shot 39.8% from three. Dorian shot 41.1% from behind-the-arc for the whole season. His defense and versatility made the small-ball lineups with Luka work. Finney-Smith and Dončić have chemistry from five seasons together in Dallas.
Coach JJ Redick relied on Finney-Smith heavily in the playoffs. He logged 34 minutes a night, proving his value when it mattered.
Why the Player Option Decision Matters
Dorian Finney-Smith declining his player option could shape L.A.’s offseason moves. If Finney-Smith had opted in, he’d be extension-eligible for up to four years, $96.5 million. But without a guaranteed extension, there was little incentive for him to lock in.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN: “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.”
Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the Lakers and Dorian could not reach an agreement on the terms of a new long-term deal.
The Risk of Losing Him for Nothing
If the Lakers fail to re-sign him, they lose a trusted locker room presence and Redick’s go-to defender. Worse, they gave up three second-round picks to Brooklyn to get him. Losing Finney-Smith for nothing would sting.
Yet his exit could free up the Lakers’ entire $14.1 million Non-taxpayer’s midlevel exception. With that money, Rob Pelinka could split the NMLE on multiple veterans or target younger talent like Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
This flexibility only works if the front office has a clear plan. Otherwise, re-signing Finney-Smith remains the safest option for roster stability — especially while trying to lock down Dončić long-term.
A Critical Offseason for Los Angeles
The Lakers face a pivotal summer. LeBron’s commitment hinges on the roster. Luka’s extension talks add more weight. Dorian Finney-Smith declining his player option adds another variable to an uncertain dynamic.
The front office must choose between cap flexibility and keeping proven players. The clock is ticking.
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