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Lakers followers in shambles after Dorian Finney-Smith declines $15.4M choice to return

SportsJun 29, 2025
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LA Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith will decline his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Sunday. He will enter free agency and does not lack suitors, as multiple teams are reportedly expected to show interest in the forward starting Monday night.

The report has stirred up a frenzy on social media. Lakers fans aren’t particularly pleased with the report as the franchise is yet to make any major offseason trades. One fan on X called out general manager Rob Pelinka.

Lmao rob Pelinka will burn in hell

Other fans on X hoped the Lakers wouldn’t lose a valuable player like Finney-Smith.

Lakers need to lock him down or risk losing a solid player.

Lakers need to resign him and made some trades

This would be a massive loss for that defensive scheme that is still missing a rim protector

Another fan speculated he wants to move to a team where he can be effective.

DFS is looking to get away from Luka and Lebron. There aren’t enough shots when you have those two on the team.

Looks like Razorback Adou Theiro is going to play a lot, he should start honestly incredible athlete with a ton of potential

Finney-Smith joined the Lakers last December from the Brooklyn Nets. The trade involved the Lakers sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks for him and Shake Milton.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. - Source: ImagnLos Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. - Source: Imagn
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. – Source: Imagn

Last season, he spent most of the time on the bench, but played a vital role as a backup for the Lakers. He averaged 7.9 points, 1.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds. He shot 44.2% from the field and 39.8% from the 3-point mark.

While his options in the free agency market will be readily available, it’d be interesting to see his next move. He would be eager to start the new season stronger and healthier.

Dorian Finney-Smith reportedly had ankle surgery

Dorian Finney-Smith had a successful ankle surgery during the offseason, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on June 12. He is expected to recover before training camp begins.

The ankle injury had been a lingering issue during his time at the Nets. He missed 12 games because of the injury when he was with the Nets. He missed eight more games when he moved to Los Angeles.