Dorian Finney-Smith has hinted that he may not be willing to take a pay cut to remain with the team. The veteran forward, who has been instrumental in the Lakers’ defensive resurgence since his arrival in December, is set to become a free agent this offseason and has a $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which he is expected to decline.
In a recent interview with HoopsHype, Finney-Smith shared his perspective on prioritizing his own career and financial security.
“You see what just happened with Luka [Doncic]? So, you’ve got to make sure you take care of yourself first,” he said. “We need to finish the season strong. If we win, everybody eats.”
Finney-Smith’s impact on the Lakers has gone beyond the stat sheet. While his averages of 7.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game may seem modest, his presence has transformed the Lakers into one of the league’s top defensive teams. His ability to guard multiple positions and bring energy to the court has made him a valuable asset alongside stars like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers, who acquired Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and draft picks, hold his Bird rights, allowing them to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him. However, with elite 3-and-D players being highly sought after in today’s NBA, Finney-Smith is likely to attract significant interest from other teams.
