Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has undergone surgery on his left ankle and is expected to be ready for training camp ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. The procedure aims to address a persistent ankle injury that has troubled him over recent seasons, allowing him to play without pain moving forward.

Finney-Smith, 32, struggled with an ankle issue that caused him to miss eight games shortly after being traded to the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets. Prior to the trade, he had already missed 12 games due to the same injury, which also led to complications with his left calf. Despite these setbacks, Finney-Smith played a significant role in helping the Lakers secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and achieve their first 50-win season since the 2019-20 campaign.

During the regular season, Finney-Smith averaged 7.9 points, shooting 44.2% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range, along with 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists. He was particularly valuable as a "3-and-D" player, contributing to the team's overall performance, even as the Lakers struggled with offensive and defensive ratings.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick leaned on Finney-Smith during the playoffs, placing him back into the starting lineup when needed. His presence in the locker room has been beneficial, particularly given his previous connection with Luka Doncic during their time with the Dallas Mavericks.

As Finney-Smith recovers from surgery, he faces a crucial decision regarding his contract. He has until June 29 to decide whether to opt out of the final year of his deal worth $15.4 million. The Lakers can offer him contract extensions, which could range from a three-year deal worth $54 million to a four-year deal worth $90.2 million, depending on his choice to opt in or out.

Overall, Finney-Smith's surgery is seen as a positive step towards ensuring he is healthy and ready to contribute to the Lakers' ambitions in the upcoming season.