There haven't been any formal changes made to the Los Angeles Lakers' roster since the end of 2024-25 season, but we know moves are coming. After a recent report from ESPN's Dave McMenamin that Dorian Finney-Smith recently underwent surgery to address a lingering left ankle injury, it seems all but certain that he'll be back on the Lakers' roster for next season.
McMenamin's report indicated that Finney-Smith is expected to be ready for training camp in September. The logic here is pretty simple for all to see: DFS would not have risked getting surgery done and going through this recovery period if he did not already have an agreement with the Lakers' front office on his player option for next season, or possibly for a longer-term deal with the team.
All indicators here are that Finney-Smith will be back in Los Angeles for the 2025-26 season. While it might seem like a more minor thing, having Finney-Smith back on the Lakers' roster is really one of the more positive developments Lakers fans could have hoped for in this offseason. Number 17 is going to continue being a very important piece for LA's championship hopes.
Finney-Smith's surgery indicates he'll likely remain a Laker
Dorian Finney-Smith is just the kind of proven veteran that the Lakers need around Luka Doncic moving forward. He can guard at multiple positions and fit in a variety of JJ Redick's lineups with his defensive versatility and floor-spacing on offense. He's a role player that does his job to a tee, elevating his team's ceiling every time he steps on the hardwood.
Assuming McMenamin's report is accurate, it would seem that the Lakers are going to be starting the offseason off with at least one very wise move. Rob Pelinka and the front office know that they must maximize this roster around Doncic, and especially while LeBron James is still suiting up as well. As we know from watching the Dallas Mavericks over the years, putting capable defenders around Doncic is the best way to maximize his output.
It would also seem that the timing of this report indicates a mutual agreement about Finney-Smith's fit in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. It feels likely that he's comfortable in a Laker uniform and wants to continue helping this team level up.
The official announcement that he's re-signing with the team or accepting his player option will likely come out to begin the free agency period, but Los Angeles Lakers fans can probably rest assured Dorian Finney-Smith will be back in LA again next season.