The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal decision regarding forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who is weighing his future ahead of a Sunday deadline to either opt into his $15.4 million player option or enter free agency.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Finney-Smith, who recently underwent surgery on his left ankle, is extension-eligible before free agency begins. How the Lakers handle this situation could significantly impact the direction of their offseason.
Per Bobby Marks, the Lakers have several paths available if they want to retain the veteran forward. Before Sunday’s deadline, they can offer Finney-Smith a three-year, $54 million extension. If he declines the player option on Sunday and becomes a free agent Monday, L.A. can present a new four-year deal worth $90.2 million.
However, if he opts into his current contract and waits until after the free agent moratorium lifts on July 6, the Lakers could then offer him the largest possible deal, a four-year extension worth up to $96.5 million.
Finney-Smith, 32, isn’t a flashy scorer, but his value goes far beyond the stat sheet. He averaged just 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in a limited offensive role with the Lakers after being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets, but remains one of the premier 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
His ability to defend multiple positions and knock down timely corner threes made him a critical piece in L.A.’s playoff push. Perhaps more importantly, his long-standing chemistry with Luka Doncic, built over their years together in Dallas, served as a vital bridge in integrating the Lakers’ new backcourt duo of Luka and LeBron.
However, Finney-Smith is reportedly considering his options, including free agency. A source familiar with the situation told ESPN that while he has interest in staying in Los Angeles, he may explore longer-term offers from contending teams if opting in is the only route to remain with the Lakers.
If he declines his option and leaves, the Lakers would effectively have traded three second-round picks for a short-term rental, a move that could haunt the front office.
Losing Finney-Smith would not only create a gaping hole at the wing but would also severely test new head coach JJ Redick’s early tenure. Redick is said to trust Finney-Smith implicitly, and his absence would strip the locker room of a respected voice and defensive anchor.
While his departure would allow the Lakers to open the full $14.1 million midlevel exception to pursue free agents, it would come at the cost of continuity and defensive identity.
As the June 29 deadline looms, the ball is now in Finney-Smith’s court. Whether he chases long-term security elsewhere or commits to the Lakers’ vision with a substantial extension remains to be seen.
But if L.A. wants to keep their core intact and give Luka a familiar running mate, offering the $96.5 million extension may be the only way to secure his future in purple and gold.
