Will Dorian Finney-Smith Return To The Lakers? Player Option Update

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Post on Mar 18, 2025

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Will Dorian Finney-Smith Return to the Lakers? Player Option Update

The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason hinges on several key decisions, and one of the most intriguing involves forward Dorian Finney-Smith. After a mid-season trade brought him to the purple and gold, the question on every Lakers fan's mind is: will Finney-Smith opt in to his player option for the 2023-2024 season, or will he test free agency? This article dives into the latest updates and analyzes the potential scenarios.

Finney-Smith's Player Option: A $5 Million Decision

Finney-Smith holds a player option worth approximately $5 million for the upcoming season. This seemingly straightforward decision carries significant weight for both the player and the Lakers. For Finney-Smith, it's a balance between financial security and the potential for a larger payday on the open market. For the Lakers, it impacts their salary cap flexibility and roster construction for next season.

Analyzing the Pros and Cons for Finney-Smith

• Pros of Opting In: The $5 million guarantees Finney-Smith a significant salary, providing financial stability. It also allows him to remain with a contending team, potentially competing for a championship. The familiarity of the Lakers' system and his established role within the team are also strong positives.

• Cons of Opting In: Opting in might limit his earning potential. A strong performance in free agency could earn him a considerably more lucrative multi-year contract. The Lakers' offseason moves could also affect his role and playing time in the upcoming season.

Analyzing the Pros and Cons for the Lakers

• Pros of Finney-Smith Opting In: The Lakers retain a valuable 3-and-D wing player, bolstering their depth and improving their overall defensive capabilities. This keeps their championship window open.

• Cons of Finney-Smith Opting In: His $5 million salary reduces the Lakers' available cap space, potentially limiting their ability to sign other free agents. They may need to make difficult roster decisions to stay under the luxury tax threshold.

What the Experts Are Saying

While concrete information remains scarce, NBA analysts are divided. Some believe Finney-Smith will prioritize financial security and opt in, given the risk involved in free agency. Others suggest his desire for a larger contract and a potentially enhanced role elsewhere could lead him to decline the option. The uncertainty surrounding the Lakers' offseason moves adds another layer of complexity to the prediction.

Potential Scenarios and Their Impact on the Lakers

• Finney-Smith Opts In: The Lakers maintain roster continuity, but their cap flexibility decreases, potentially hindering their ability to make significant free-agent additions.

• Finney-Smith Declines the Option: The Lakers lose a key rotational player but gain crucial cap space to pursue other free agents, potentially reshaping their roster significantly.

Conclusion: A Waiting Game

The decision ultimately rests with Dorian Finney-Smith. The coming weeks will be crucial, as the player weighs his options and considers his long-term career goals. The Lakers' front office will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the situation, strategizing accordingly to prepare for either outcome. Stay tuned for updates as this pivotal decision shapes the future of the Los Angeles Lakers. The official announcement is expected sometime in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for breaking news!