Lakers rumors: Contenders lurking after Dorian Finney-Smith declines $15.4 million option
The Los Angeles Lakers' biggest goal this offseason has to be addressing their lack of depth and getting a big man or two in the room after gutting their roster to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks last offseason. While Los Angeles waits to see what big men it can make a run after, it was also waiting on the decision from Dorian Finney-Smith.
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Finney-Smith had a player option worth $15.4 million this offseason, and he is choosing to hit the open market instead. The former Maverick has officially declined his player option and will be a free agent when it opens on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Charania also stated that there will be contending teams that are after Finney-Smith in free agency.
'Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith is declining his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, sources tell ESPN,' Charania reported on X, formerly Twitter. 'Multiple contending teams are expected to pursue Finney-Smith beginning Monday night and a Lakers return is possible.'
While the Lakers are still in play for Finney-Smith, it appears that it's going to take a substantial raise in order to keep him in Los Angeles. The Florida product has an ideal skillset on the wing for a contender, with the ability to guard elite perimeter scorers and also knock down open shots from the 3-point line.
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He did just that for the Lakers last season, making nearly 40% of his triples after arriving in Los Angeles following a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. He was also a big piece of the defense for JJ Redick and company and was one of the few players that the first-year head coach trusted in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Finney-Smith played with Doncic during their time in Dallas and they even went to the Western Conference Finals together in 2022, so those two already have good chemistry together. As a result, the Lakers may decide that it's worth paying a premium to keep the 32-year old around for the long haul as they pivot to building for the future around their new superstar.
Related: NBA rumors: Kevin O'Connor suggests Cavs try LeBron James trade with Lakers
Related: Ranking 5 best LeBron James trade destinations after Rich Paul's bombshell Lakers quotes
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