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Concerning Dorian Finney-Smith Report Emerges for Lakers Ahead of Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gautam Varier | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 1:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season ended in disappointment in the form of a first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but there were positives to take from it. The Lakers were the third seed in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record, and Dorian Finney-Smith played his part in their success.

The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in December 2024, and he was exactly what the doctor ordered. They desperately needed an excellent 3-and-D wing, and he played like one.

Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game for the Lakers in 2024-25 while shooting 39.8% from the field.

The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith knowing that he could potentially hit free agency in 2025. The 32-year-old has a $15.4 million player option for 2025-26, and it's unclear as to what he plans to do with it.

A return to the Lakers, one way or the other, for Finney-Smith had still seemed like the likely outcome, but it would appear that's not a guarantee. NBA insider Shams Charania stated on "Get Up" that the veteran's future is one of the biggest concerns for the Lakers at the moment.

“The other concern there is Dorian Finney-Smith, his free agency," Charania said on Get Up. "What interest is out there for him. He’s got a player-option that he’s gotta decide by the end of the month.”

June 29 is the deadline for Finney-Smith to exercise that player option, so we'll find out his decision soon enough. You'd expect the Lakers to try their best to re-sign him if he does opt out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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