The 2025 NBA offseason is a few weeks away from firing on all cylinders as free agency and the draft loom over the horizon. Just as Los Angeles Lakers fans were gearing up for what should be a busy summer following a premature playoff exit, the fanbase was just hit with a surprise injury update regarding a recent trade acquisition.
On Thursday, NBA insider Dave McMenamin reported that Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has successfully undergone offseason surgery to repair his left ankle. Despite the procedure's unexpected nature, all signs point to the 32-year-old veteran being available to start the 2025-26 season.
"The procedure will allow the 32-year-old Finney-Smith to play pain-free after cleaning up a lingering ankle injury that he fought to play through the past several seasons," McMenamin wrote.
Now that Finney-Smith can (hopefully) put his ankle woes in the rearview, one thing has become abundantly clear.
Dorian Finney-Smith Likely to Stay With Lakers After Surprise Ankle Surgery
Before undergoing surgery, Lakers fans wondered if Finney-Smith would still be with the team next season. He has a $15.3 million player option he must decide on before the end of the month, opening the door for a potential exit either by declining his option or via sign-and-trade.
With that in mind, it's tough to imagine Finney-Smith playing elsewhere next season, especially if he wants a pay raise.
Potential suitors likely won't be willing to pay top dollar for an oft-injured 32-year-old who hasn't hit the 70-game mark since 2021-22. They're probably even less willing to do so since he's yet to demonstrate what he can do post-surgery, likely limiting his options unless he's open to a pay cut. Considering how another big contract is less than certain at this stage of his career, that won't happen.
In other words, opting into his player option is the safest option for Finney-Smith. Not only will he make a decent chunk of change, but he'll also get to prove himself by playing a full season alongside LeBron James and former Dallas Mavericks teammate Luka Doncic — two world-class facilitators capable of maximizing DFS's 3-and-D talents.
Finney-Smith would love nothing more than to have a healthy and productive 2025-26 campaign. After being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in December, the former Florida Gator made 43 regular-season appearances (20 starts) with the Lakers, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game while slashing .442/.398/.714.
Finney-Smith found his role increasing in the playoffs when he averaged 34.0 minutes per night against the Timberwolves in Round 1. Although the Lakers ended up losing the series, the 6-foot-7 veteran displayed reliable defense throughout the series, hopefully setting him up to help L.A. similarly next season.
As he prepares for his offseason rehab, Lakers fans shouldn't be surprised if Finney-Smith opts into his player option before the June 29 deadline.