The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025 offseason with plenty of questions. Not only do they have to make upgrades to the roster that was overwhelmed by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they also have to make sure they retain their contributors.
One of those players is Dorian Finney-Smith. The veteran forward has a $15.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season and hasn't made a decision about what he is planning on doing. Regardless of his decision, the Lakers must keep the 32-year-old wing on the roster going forward.
Lakers Must Re-Sign Dorian Finney-Smith to a Long-Term Extension
After the season he just had with the Lakers, the more likely scenario for Finney-Smith is to turn down his player option. Considering his age, this will be one of the last chances for DFS to have a big payday. Looking for a multi-year deal that pays him an eight-figure average salary would be smarter than playing on a one-year, $15.3 million deal.
The former Mavericks forward was one of the underrated reasons for the Lakers' success this season. After his acquisition in December, Finney-Smith played a large role for LA, guarding bigger players, switching across multiple positions, and hitting 40% of his threes. He is the ideal three-and-D type of player the Lakers need to put around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
There are simply not too many two-way players on the Lakers roster right now. Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura were the only role players head coach JJ Redick fully trusted in the postseason. In the playoffs, DFS increased his playing time to 34 minutes per game, closing eThat is why Los Angeles can't afford to let him walk in free agency, making retaining Finney-Smith a top offseason priority for GM Rob Pelinka.