Dorian Finney-Smith’s Ankle Surgery
Dorian Finney-Smith, the forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, has recently undergone a surgical procedure on his left ankle. This development comes as part of his preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, and sources report that he is anticipated to be fit for the team’s training camp.
At 31 years old, Finney-Smith has been dealing with a persistent ankle issue for several seasons, and this operation aims to rectify that discomfort so he can perform without pain moving forward.
Impact of Injuries on Performance
After joining the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith faced ongoing ankle challenges that led to him missing several games. Specifically, he sat out eight matches with the Lakers due to what the franchise termed “left ankle injury management,” following a stint in Brooklyn where he missed 12 games due to similar concerns, which inadvertently aggravated his left calf.
Despite battling these injuries, Finney-Smith played a crucial role in the Lakers’ success during the past season, helping the team secure the third seed in the Western Conference. His contributions were instrumental in the Lakers achieving their first 50-plus win season since 2019-20.
Trade and Performance Highlights
Finney-Smith joined the Lakers on December 29 after a trade that involved D’Angelo Russell and a few future assets. Over the course of the 43 regular season games he played, the team posted an impressive 29-14 record, and he demonstrated his ability as a starter with a 14-6 record in the 20 games he began.
Lakers head coach J.J. Redick utilized Finney-Smith in critical playoff situations as well, notably inserting him into the starting lineup during the postseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played extensively in a competitive Game 4. Finney-Smith’s strong defensive capabilities and three-point shooting made him a vital asset for a Lakers squad that ranked lower in both offensive and defensive efficiency last season.
Personal Performance and Future Decisions
Well-regarded for his locker room presence, Finney-Smith had a strong rapport with Luka Doncic, thanks to their shared history as former Dallas Mavericks teammates. In terms of personal performance, Finney-Smith concluded the season with averages of:
- 7.9 points per game
- 44.2% shooting percentage
- 39.8% from beyond the arc
- 3.6 rebounds
- 1.4 assists
Looking ahead, Finney-Smith is facing a deadline of June 29 to decide whether to opt out of his final contract year worth $15.4 million. He also has the opportunity for a contract extension before the onset of the free agency period on June 30.
As noted by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, if the Lakers choose to extend an offer starting the day after the NBA Finals conclude up until June 28, they could propose a three-year deal valued at $54 million. Alternatively, from June 29 to June 30, a four-year extension worth $90.2 million could be on the table, with any player options being replaced by a new salary structure. Should Finney-Smith opt in, he could sign a maximum contract extension worth up to $96.5 million after July 6, post-free agency moratorium.
