The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal offseason after a disappointing campaign, falling short of playoff success. They are set on enhancing their roster around a core they believe can contend for the title. A key aspect of their strategy includes ensuring that their players are healthy and ready for the upcoming season. Notably, forward Dorian Finney-Smith recently underwent ankle surgery, aimed at alleviating a chronic issue that had bothered him over previous seasons.

Despite the procedure, Finney-Smith is expected to be fit for training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season. His surgery was necessary to address a lingering injury that had forced him to play through pain. Since his trade from the Brooklyn Nets in December, he has played a crucial role in transforming the Lakers into a defensively sound team, providing the much-needed 3-and-D impact. His player option for next season, valued at $15.38 million, adds another layer of intrigue to the Lakers' offseason, as retaining him is essential for their championship aspirations.