The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason took an unexpected turn as forward Dorian Finney-Smith has undergone ankle surgery, multiple league sources confirm. The procedure, though reportedly successful, now casts uncertainty over his availability for the start of the upcoming NBA season. While the team remains optimistic, questions surrounding his recovery timeline and impact on the Lakers’ early season strategy are beginning to swirl.
Finney-Smith, acquired recently as part of the Lakers’ ongoing effort to strengthen their defensive presence and floor spacing, had been viewed as a critical rotation piece heading into the new campaign. Known for his perimeter defense, versatility, and ability to knock down open threes, Finney-Smith’s presence on the wing was expected to be a major asset for head coach JJ Redick as he navigates his first season at the helm. Now, with Finney-Smith sidelined indefinitely, the Lakers will have to recalibrate not only their forward depth but potentially their starting lineup depending on how long he’s out.
The injury, believed to have occurred during a private offseason workout, initially appeared minor. However, lingering discomfort and limited mobility prompted further medical evaluation, which revealed damage that required surgical intervention. The Lakers have yet to issue a formal timeline for his return, but sources indicate the team is bracing for the possibility that he could miss the start of training camp and even regular season games, depending on his rehabilitation progress over the coming weeks.
This development adds another layer of complexity to what was already shaping up to be a pivotal offseason for the Lakers. With LeBron James likely entering the final chapter of his illustrious career and the team under new leadership, every roster decision carries weight. The acquisition of Finney-Smith was praised at the time for its low-risk, high-reward potential, particularly in bolstering a defense that struggled with consistency last season. His injury, however, now threatens to derail those plans before they’ve even had a chance to materialize.
For a franchise constantly under the microscope, this setback could have ripple effects. The Lakers have been aggressive in trying to build a roster that can contend immediately. The front office has made it no secret that they are in win-now mode, especially with the uncertain future of LeBron and the increasing pressure from a demanding fanbase that expects deep playoff runs, not early exits. Finney-Smith’s absence could open the door for younger or fringe players to step up, but it also exposes a vulnerability that opposing teams will look to exploit.
JJ Redick, entering his first season as a head coach after transitioning from the media world, now faces a test of his adaptability and leadership. While Finney-Smith may not be a household name to casual fans, his impact on the game is well-documented among basketball insiders. Redick, known for his cerebral approach to the game and emphasis on spacing and smart team defense, was expected to rely heavily on Finney-Smith’s veteran presence to help implement his system. Losing that piece — even temporarily — complicates things and forces an early adjustment to his plans.
Finney-Smith, who averaged 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season while shooting nearly 35 percent from beyond the arc, has been a consistent and reliable presence wherever he’s played, whether it was with the Mavericks, Nets, or now with the Lakers. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute without needing plays drawn for him made him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ vision of supporting stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis with gritty, two-way role players. His absence creates a void that may be difficult to fill with the same level of efficiency.
While the Lakers still possess talent and depth, the nature of the Western Conference means every edge matters. Teams like Denver, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, and Phoenix are all either maintaining elite cores or improving on paper. Losing even one contributor for an extended period can shift momentum and narrow margins in the standings. If Finney-Smith is out longer than expected, it could force Rob Pelinka and the front office to consider alternative options — either from within or via the trade market — to ensure the Lakers don’t fall behind early in the season.
For Finney-Smith personally, the injury is a frustrating hurdle. After being traded to a marquee franchise like the Lakers, this was supposed to be a fresh chapter filled with opportunity. A strong showing in L.A. could have revitalized his career and earned him both a larger role and potential future contract security. Now, he must focus on recovery and hope that he can quickly return to form in time to still make an impact when it matters most.
The Lakers, for their part, are reportedly remaining patient and supportive of Finney-Smith’s recovery. The team’s medical staff is confident in the surgical outcome, and the belief is that he will return at full strength. However, ankle injuries can be tricky, especially for players whose game relies heavily on lateral movement and defensive footwork. Even once cleared for on-court activity, it may take Finney-Smith time to regain rhythm and full mobility. That’s a key concern for a Lakers squad that has often battled early season inconsistency in recent years.
Another potential side effect of this injury is how it impacts the Lakers’ rotations. With Finney-Smith out, it’s likely that players like Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, or even rookie Dalton Knecht could see increased minutes at the forward positions. Each brings a unique skillset, but none replicates the exact defensive profile of Finney-Smith. Redick will need to get creative in balancing offense and defense across his lineups, especially in critical matchups early in the season.
Training camp was set to be a critical time for team bonding and system implementation under the new coaching staff. With Finney-Smith’s availability in doubt, the Lakers lose not only a key on-court piece but also a veteran voice in those foundational sessions. It’s yet another challenge for a team that’s no stranger to navigating adversity but one that will require swift and strategic thinking from leadership at every level.
Despite the setback, optimism remains that Finney-Smith will return and contribute meaningfully during the season. The NBA calendar is long, and the Lakers are no strangers to managing injuries and timing peaks for the playoffs. Still, the sooner he returns, the better positioned the team will be to establish chemistry and rhythm, especially as they integrate other new pieces into the fold.
As updates continue to emerge about his recovery, all eyes will be on how the Lakers handle this latest curveball. For now, the hope is that Finney-Smith’s surgery leads to a smooth recovery and that he’s back in purple and gold before too long. But in the NBA, nothing is guaranteed, and how the Lakers respond to this early adversity could say a lot about their chances when the games start to rea
