By Sunday 
The Los Angeles Lakers have some big decisions to make this offseason — and one of them revolves around a role player who quietly became a key piece down the stretch: Dorian Finney-Smith.
Let’s dive into the latest update on his health, contract status, and what it all could mean for the purple and gold.
A Quiet Contributor With a Loud Impact
When the Lakers traded for Finney-Smith in December — shipping off D’Angelo Russell and a handful of second-round picks to Brooklyn — it looked like a classic low-key Rob Pelinka move. Nothing splashy, but solid.
And solid is exactly what Finney-Smith delivered.
- 43 games with the Lakers
- 14-6 record in his 20 starts
- 39.8% shooting from 3-point range
- Sturdy perimeter defense
- Steady locker room presence
He wasn’t lighting up the scoreboard (just 7.9 points per game), but anyone who watched the Lakers knew he was doing the dirty work — spacing the floor, guarding wings, and bringing hustle without headlines.
Surgery Sends a Curveball
Here’s the twist: Finney-Smith had been battling ankle issues long before LA acquired him. Those nagging pains? They finally caught up to him.
After the Lakers’ postseason loss to the Timberwolves, he underwent surgery to clean up his ankle, a procedure that had become unavoidable after years of discomfort that even led to calf pain. Not exactly ideal timing with a contract decision looming.
The good news? He’s expected to be ready by training camp. But that’s only half the battle.
Money, Money, Money
The Lakers already have salary cap tension so tight it squeaks, and Finney-Smith’s situation isn’t making it any easier. Here’s what’s at stake:
- He has a player option for $15.4 million that he must exercise by June 29.
- He’s eligible for an extension — potentially three years, $54 million or four years, $90 million, per ESPN.
- Meanwhile, LeBron James also has a player option and could command a raise nearing $56 million over the next two seasons.
If both James and Finney-Smith return with upgraded deals? The Lakers could blow past the first tax apron and face serious trade and roster restrictions.
And don’t forget: the second apron (an even more painful cap level) is only $16 million away.
So… Will Finney-Smith Stay?
That’s the $15.4 million question.
The Lakers love his fit. The front office values his shooting and toughness. LeBron likely appreciates his defensive grit. But finances are finances — and when you’re juggling James’ legacy, a potential Luka-LeBron reunion, and a thin margin of error, every million counts.
Still, if Finney-Smith opts in and proves he’s healthy, he could be a valuable glue guy — or even a trade chip. If he opts out, it’ll test how far LA is willing to go to keep its core intact.
No matter how it plays out, the Lakers’ summer just got a little more complicated.