Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has opted out of his $15.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season and will become an unrestricted free agent, according to a report from Shams Charania.
The 32-year-old forward joined the Lakers in February after being traded by the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for three second-round picks.
Finney-Smith appeared in 43 regular season games for Los Angeles, averaging 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest. He shot 39.8 percent from beyond the arc while offering defensive versatility across multiple positions.
He played a key role in the Lakers’ brief postseason run, averaging 34.0 minutes over five playoff games, including one start.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, there had been mutual interest between the Lakers and Finney-Smith in continuing the partnership. However, a source told the outlet that the veteran was prepared to explore other options if remaining in Los Angeles required opting in.
By declining the option, Finney-Smith now becomes eligible to sign with any team once free agency opens on July 6. A return to the Lakers is not off the table, but the forward is expected to draw interest from several contending teams seeking a reliable two-way contributor.
Los Angeles must now decide whether to re-sign Finney-Smith on a longer-term deal or risk losing a key rotation piece without compensation.
Had he opted in, Finney-Smith would have been eligible to sign a four-year, $96.5 million extension with the Lakers after the July moratorium.
Finney-Smith, a nine-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 591 regular season and 40 playoff games. He has built his reputation on defense, floor spacing, and adaptability, and shot a career-best 41.1 percent from three this past season.
