ESPN reporter: Jofinney Smith leaves, the Lakers can sign Walker in full

According to ESPN, Dorian Finney Smith is considering giving up the Los Angeles Lakers' $15.4 million player option in the 2025-26 season in favor of free agent market.

For this, ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin analyzed the Lakers' middle-class special case:

"If Finney Smith leaves the team, the full middle-class special case will be vacant, and maybe he can sign players like Alexander Walker."

"If Smith leaves, the Lakers can use the full middle-class special case of $14.1 million. This money can be taken apart and can be used to attract those who seek comparisons. Veterans are high-quality free agents with higher basic salary. If the Lakers don’t spend all the money for the middle class exception, they can afford more salary during the trade and count the extra money to the remaining middle class exception. "

Walker played 82 games in the regular season this season, averaging 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, shooting percentage of 43.8%, and three-point shooting percentage of 38.1%.