Lakers' star forward opts out of contract to become a free agent

The Los Angeles Lakers got great news on Sunday when LeBron James opted-in to his player option.

But another key forward opted out.

Dorian Finney-Smith didn't accept his player option, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The option would've paid DFS a $15.4 million contract in 2025-26.

Finney-Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent. Charania writes that multiple teams will be interested, including the Lakers.

The defensive-minded wing was traded to the Lakers in December from Brooklyn.

In his time in L.A., Finney-Smith had averages of 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 39.8% from 3-point range.

MORE: Lakers trading LeBron James seems to be a door left open

Pro Hoops Rumors summed up Finney-Smith's overall impact:

"His impact was reflected by his on/off-court numbers — no Lakers rotation player had a better regular season net rating than Finney–Smith’s +11.1 mark in 1,239 minutes. The club had a -3.5 mark in the 1,214 minutes he didn’t play after the trade."

Finney-Smith may look to go elsewhere where he can get a few more shots.

But it's unlikely he gets a better chance at an NBA title than he would playing with LeBron James and Luka Doncic in Los Angeles.

MORE NBA NEWS:

• Thunder cut ties with former 1st-round pick in cruelest trade
• The latest on Bronny James
• LeBron James' decision means Lakers have to solve 1 key need
• Cavs' Lonzo Ball trade is brilliant for 3 reasons
• Jonathan Kuminga wants a lot of money
• Celtics 'laughed' at Raptors' trade offer for Derrick White