The Los Angeles Lakers made the first big move of the season and traded D’Angelo Russell and second-round picks to get Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Both players made their Lakers debut on Tuesday in the loss against the Cavaliers.

Finney-Smith will undoubtedly play a big part in the Lakers rotation going forward. The veteran forward has a three-and-D skillset that is rare on the Lakers roster. He can guard multiple positions, and provide defensive intensity while being able to knock down open shots.

While the Lakers are hoping that Finney-Smith is a long-term piece for the team, that may be slightly complicated. The 31-year-old has a player option for $15.3 million next season and Michael Scotto of HoopsHype just reported that he is more likely to decline it and become a free agent in the offseason.

Lakers News: Dorian Finney-Smith May Leave in 2025 Free Agency

The Lakers can still re-sign Finney-Smith after he declines his player option. Considering the fact that they just traded for him, they will presumably try to do so.

Plus, they could get him for a smaller annual salary than the $15.3 million player option. Finney-Smith could be interested in signing a three-year, $36 million type of deal to guarantee more money heading into his mid-30s.

That is far from a guarantee, however.

Every team in the NBA is looking for capable three-and-D wings. The positional and role scarcity of players like Finney-Smith helps players of that mold get paid. It only takes one team to beat the Lakers’ offer, both in terms of years and average salary to poach Finney-Smith away from Los Angeles.

Getting into a bidding war for Finney-Smith when the Lakers have limited cap space and financial flexibility is not an ideal scenario.

How far they will be willing to go to keep him around will be a fascinating storyline in the offseason.