Even with the Lakers eliminated, Dorian Finney-Smith will not even think about his offseason contract decisions until June at the earliest.
Dorian Finney-Smith had a relatively good year in a Lakers uniform.
He joined Los Angeles after the Lakers traded for him, sending D’Angelo Russell back to the Nets.
Immediately, he was a perfect fit in coach JJ Redick’s system, providing wing depth, spacing and positional versatility.
DFS became part of the Lakers’ best lineup and got the start in an elimination game as Los Angeles tried to extend their series against the Wolves.
Los Angeles was unable to win, getting knocked out by Minnesota in five games, but Finney-Smith was far from the reason why.
With the offseason already here, DFS was asked in his exit interview if he had considered his contract situation. Finney-Smith has a player option he can pick up for next year.
“No, not really,” Finney-Smith said. “[I was] just trying to get to the second round, man. I’ll worry about that around the draft and summer league and all that stuff.”
The NBA Draft and Summer League won’t happen until after the playoffs are over, so clearly, DFS is giving himself time to process before deciding whether to exercise his $15.38 million player option or become an unrestricted free agent.
Back in December, Michael Scott of Hoops Hype reported that the early expectation was that DFS would decline his player option.
That was many months ago, and it’s hard to say if that’s still the most likely outcome. He’s certainly played well as a Laker and has incredible chemistry with Luka Dončić.
Not only do the two play well together, but they also get along like best friends. They often take half-court shots together and laugh and joke with each other at every opportunity.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Luka Doncic were going back and forth shooting logo three-pointers after the Lakers practice. DFS finally hit one. Luka approved! #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/dr8u6I3dQG
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) February 19, 2025
Needless to say, DFS has enjoyed his short time here in Los Angeles as a Laker.
“Being here has been amazing, DFS said. “Making three seed been fun. Luka coming in February was a big surprise to many, especially me. Happy to be back with my dog.”
In the end, DFS will make the decision that’s in his best interest. If he thinks the market or the Lakers can offer him more than his player option, he will decline it and take the raise.
Right now, the Lakers have to wait and see what Finney-Smith wants to do. Overall, they seem to be in a pretty good place with DFS.
He had a good season, enjoyed being a Laker and gets along amazingly with the team’s star player. Hopefully, that’s enough to keep him in Los Angeles.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.