Dorian Finney-Smith talks about whether he’s considered staying with the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers began their season transformation before trading for Luka Doncic on February 1, acquiring forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in late December. This move helped the Lakers offload struggling guard D’Angelo Russell. Finney-Smith, a versatile 3-and-D player, provided the length the team desperately needed. Before his arrival, the Lakers’ defense had been poor, but after he joined, they showed impressive stretches of defensive play.

Finney-Smith has a player option worth nearly \$15.4 million for next season, which he can decline to become a free agent this summer. Following the Lakers’ elimination from the NBA playoffs in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 31-year-old (who will turn 32 on Sunday) was asked about his decision regarding the option. In the regular season with the Lakers, Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc. Losing him would be a significant blow to the Lakers’ championship aspirations. His impact goes far beyond his stats, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt plays on defense. If he decides to leave, his presence will certainly be missed as the Lakers would lose a crucial role player.