The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t going to be able to make a lot of flashy moves. Despite multiple big Lakers trade rumors floating around, they are more likely going to need to build their roster with free agent pickups and smaller trades. There is one Lakers free agency decision that could be key for their team going forward.
Dorian Finney-Smith, who has a $15.4 million player option this offseason, is a necessary piece for the Lakers to bring back. DFS brings key skills to both ends of the floor for the Lakers. Resigning him in free agency should be a top priority.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report predicts that DFS will resign with the Lakers this offseason.
“Given his relationship with Dončić, he's got a home with the Lakers. The question may be about finances. Finney-Smith can opt out for a longer deal. No other team will likely have more than the NTMLE for him; perhaps a slight pay dip in year one for a long-term contract is the compromise.
Prediction: Lakers keep Finney-Smith for as long as they keep Dončić, in the $12-16 million starting range, lower if it's a longer deal.”
Signing DFS to a deal like this would be ideal for the Lakers. They need his defensive versatility and shooting. With his Bird Rights, they have an advantage over many other possible suitors.
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If Pincus’s Lakers free agency prediction comes true, the Lakers will have one more key piece towards building a championship roster.
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