Smith Asks Lakers for $100 Million Extension Contract, Decides to Opt Out of Contract, Puts Forward a Condition to Redick
According to the latest report by journalist Jovan Buha from the "Los Angeles Times," newly traded Lakers small forward Finney-Smith has informed management that he plans to decline his player option at the end of the season and seek a renewal contract worth around $100 million over four years, with the hope of securing a starting position.
The Lakers' acquisition of Finney-Smith is expected to aid in their playoff push, as he can significantly alleviate the pressure Davis faces in the paint defensively, allowing LeBron James to focus more on offense. In his debut game with the Lakers, Finney-Smith came off the bench for 20 minutes, contributing only 2 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds, not particularly impressive statistically. However, head coach Redick appreciates his performance on the court and believes he has the ability to switch and defend against opposing centers when necessary. Redick stated that Finney-Smith's defensive execution, physicality, and intensity are all excellent, making him a reliable role player.
Redick has assigned Finney-Smith to come off the bench behind Hachimura, often playing alongside James, Davis, and Reeves, and has effectively defended against Jarrett Allen or Mobley while maintaining good foul control, not allowing the Cavaliers many free throw opportunities. It will take time for Finney-Smith to fully integrate into Redick's tactical system, and it will require more games to develop chemistry with James and Davis. Redick also plans to increase Finney-Smith's playing time. However, Finney-Smith is not content with a bench role; he hopes to replace Hachimura as the starting forward and has expressed this desire to Redick.
"Throughout the game, everyone communicated with me, helping me integrate into the team," said Finney-Smith. "However, my playing time is limited and somewhat insufficient. I can get more time and take on a more important role. I have the ability to start and get playing time right from the beginning, but there are people in this position on the team. Hachimura starts alongside James and Davis, and we can switch roles." Finney-Smith started as a forward for the Mavericks in the last two and a half seasons, averaging 29 minutes per game this season with the Nets, scoring 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, with a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%.
Finney-Smith not only wants to replace Hachimura in the starting lineup but also seeks a multi-year renewal contract from the Lakers. Smith earns 14.92millionthisseasonandhasaplayeroptionforthe2025−26season."Finney−SmithhasexplicitlytoldRobPelinkathatheplanstooptoutofhis15.38 million player option next season," said Jovan Buha. "Finney-Smith is seeking a four-year, $100 million renewal contract, whether he stays with the Lakers or joins another team."
At 31 years old, Finney-Smith was sought after by multiple teams before being traded to the Lakers, with the Grizzlies even offering a protected first-round draft pick to the Nets. "The Lakers hope to keep Finney-Smith long-term rather than view him as a short-term rental player," Jovan Buha continued. "As a versatile and excellent 3D player, Smith is popular, and under the new labor agreement and media contracts, his renewal salary during the offseason is bound to rise." Finney-Smith is very confident in securing a multi-year, fully guaranteed big contract, which is also why he wants a starting position.
The Lakers hold Finney-Smith's Bird rights, giving them an advantage in renewal negotiations and allowing them to offer a higher salary than other teams. "It's unclear how much Pelinka is willing to pay to renew Finney-Smith, but the Lakers will do everything possible to keep him in Los Angeles," Jovan Buha added. "The key lies in how far Finney-Smith can help the Lakers go in the remaining games this season and what his final offer will be in the free agent market." Teams such as the Mavericks, Grizzlies, Nuggets, Kings, and Warriors will consider offering Finney-Smith contract quotes.
Redick is very familiar with Finney-Smith, having been teammates with him for a period of time on the Mavericks. Redick likes Finney-Smith very much, and the Lakers' small lineup system now has more flexible options. However, Finney-Smith's demand for a starting position and his renewal asking price have become the biggest uncertainty for the Lakers' future.