In a bold but strategic move, the Los Angeles Lakers forward has declined his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will officially become an unrestricted free agent, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. The announcement, which dropped just ahead of the opening of free agency, has already sent ripples through the league as multiple playoff contenders are reportedly circling the veteran swingman. And while a return to Los Angeles remains on the table, Finney-Smith’s decision signals that he’s ready to explore every opportunity, including potentially cashing in on one last major contract.
Finney-Smith, a 6’7″ defensive ace with a reliable outside shot, has quietly built a reputation over the years as one of the NBA’s most dependable role players. Undrafted in 2016, his rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. After carving out a key role with the Dallas Mavericks, Finney-Smith brought his two-way excellence to Brooklyn and eventually landed with the Lakers, where his versatility fit seamlessly alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
This past season, Finney-Smith was a crucial component of the Lakers’ rotation. Though not always the flashiest name on the court, he played with the kind of consistency, toughness, and basketball IQ that winning teams crave. He averaged modest numbers—hovering around 8.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game—but his real value came in the margins. Whether it was defending the opponent’s best wing, knocking down clutch corner threes, or hustling for loose balls, Finney-Smith provided the Lakers with precisely what they needed on both ends of the floor.
It’s no surprise then that several contenders are reportedly preparing aggressive pitches to lure him. Teams like the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and even his former squad, the Dallas Mavericks, are said to be monitoring his status closely. In today’s NBA, where wings who can guard multiple positions and space the floor are more valuable than ever, Finney-Smith is about to become a hot commodity.
The timing of his decision is also noteworthy. By declining the option before free agency officially opens, Finney-Smith positions himself as one of the more attractive mid-tier signings in a market top-heavy with superstars and thin on reliable, battle-tested veterans. And while $15.4 million is no small sum, the 31-year-old forward is banking on a longer-term deal—one that could not only secure more guaranteed money but also provide him the stability of a multi-year contract with a clearly defined role.
For the Lakers, Finney-Smith’s decision adds a new wrinkle to an already pivotal offseason. With LeBron James expected to re-sign and the franchise reportedly exploring trades to bring in another All-Star caliber player, Los Angeles now faces the added challenge of potentially losing one of its most dependable glue guys. Finney-Smith’s departure wouldn’t create a seismic shift like that of a primary scorer, but it would leave a noticeable void in terms of defense, toughness, and veteran poise—qualities that championship teams often need most in the playoffs.
Of course, there’s still a chance he returns. Sources close to the situation suggest that the Lakers remain interested in re-signing Finney-Smith, possibly on a longer deal that better reflects his value and role within the team’s evolving roster. Much of that will depend on what happens in the first wave of free agency. If the Lakers strike out on some of their bigger targets or choose to prioritize continuity, Finney-Smith could find himself back in purple and gold, but likely with a new contract and potentially a new role.
This is not the first time Finney-Smith has bet on himself—and won. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Florida, he clawed his way into the Mavericks’ starting lineup through sheer effort and relentless defense. His breakout came during Dallas’ 2022 playoff run, where he consistently delivered on both ends of the floor, helping the Mavs reach the Western Conference Finals. That performance helped secure him a four-year, $55 million extension, a deal that proved to be a bargain given his contributions.
Now, three years later, he finds himself at another career crossroads. Teams across the league are desperate for players like Finney-Smith—wings who don’t need the ball to be effective, who thrive in chaos, and who are willing to take on the toughest assignments night after night. He may not dominate highlight reels, but his impact is undeniable. Coaches trust him. Teammates love him. And executives respect the consistency he brings to a roster.
That’s why Monday night will be so crucial. As free agency opens, Finney-Smith is expected to be among the first wave of names drawing serious attention. Whether it’s a contender looking to solidify its bench or a younger team needing leadership and defensive grit, his services will not be in short supply. And don’t be surprised if the bidding war pushes his new deal well past the $15.4 million figure he just turned down.
Still, it’s not just about the money. At this point in his career, Finney-Smith is also looking for fit—on the court, in the locker room, and in the city he’ll call home for the next chapter of his NBA journey. He’s already played alongside superstars, battled deep into the playoffs, and proven his value on multiple stages. Now, he gets to choose his path.
Will he return to the Lakers, chasing another ring with LeBron and AD? Will he reunite with Luka Doncic in Dallas and try to finish what they started in 2022? Or will he take on a fresh challenge somewhere new, bringing his signature grit and professionalism to a team on the cusp of contention?
No matter where he lands, one thing is clear: Dorian Finney-Smith is a player who moves the needle. And with the clock ticking toward a frenzied free agency, all eyes will be on where he takes his talents next.
In a league driven by stars, it’s often the role players who make the biggest difference when it matters most. And in that regard, Finney-Smith’s value can’t be overstated. His name might not dominate headlines like LeBron or Durant, but make no mistake—he’ll be one of the most important signings of the summer.
As the offers roll in and the suitors line up, Dorian Finney-Smith has already made one thing clear: he knows his worth. And soon, so will everyone else.
