Lakers Receive Concerning Update Before NBA Free Agency
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Rob Pelinka will be looking to be aggressive during the NBA offseason. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way, the team needs to make a few additions in order to be a legitimate contender during the 2025-26 season.
On the outside looking in, the two biggest needs are defense and a legitimate center. Those are two things the Lakers need to focus on improving this offseason.
Plenty of rumors have been swirling around about Los Angeles. Now, a new update has been given that brings cause for concern.
JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Dorian Finney-Smith has become a key rotation piece for the Lakers. However, there is a chance that the team could lose him this offseason to free agency.
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ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania made an appearance on “Get Up” on Thursday. During that appearance, he shared that Finney-Smith is still considering declining his player option and entering free agency.
“The other concern there is Dorian Finney Smith, his free-agency,” Charania said. “What interest is out there for him. He’s got a player-option that he’s gotta decide by the end of the month.”
Speaking of the need for more defense, Finney-Smith has been one of the best on the current team in that department. He is a great 3-and-D type of player, which is an extremely valuable asset in the NBA.
During the 2024-25 season split between Los Angeles and the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith played in 63 games and made 40 starts. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals, while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor and 41.1 percent from the three-point line.
There are plenty of teams around the league who would love to have a player like Finney-Smith. He could drum up a decent market should he choose to opt out of his deal with the Lakers.
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At 32 years old, Finney-Smith is not getting any younger. If he thinks he can get a better and more secure deal in free agency, he could legitimately choose to leave Los Angeles.
Only time will tell, but this is a major storyline for the Lakers to keep an eye on. Hopefully, they find a way to bring him back and add a few pieces to the puzzle.
Pelinka has his work cut out for him. That work would get more difficult if Finney-Smith chooses to head elsewhere.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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