The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with tight salary-cap constraints, and now those financial pressures are getting more complicated thanks to Dorian Finney-Smith’s recent ankle surgery.
Finney-Smith, signed in February 2024 as a key piece of the Lakers’ playoff push, has dealt with ankle issues all season. After surgery following the season, questions now surround his return timeline and long-term value on the court.
For a team with championship aspirations but limited financial flexibility, this is another layer of uncertainty.
The Cost of Adding Finney-Smith
Acquired in a trade from the Dallas Mavericks at the deadline, Finney-Smith was supposed to bring defensive versatility, floor spacing, and veteran presence alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
His contract — a two-year, $13 million deal — seemed like a good investment at the time. But with the surgery now casting doubt on his availability for training camp and the early part of the season, the Lakers are paying a lot of money for a player who isn’t ready to go.
This is especially painful for a team already in the luxury tax.
A Career of Overcoming Adversity
Finney-Smith’s career has been about resilience.
From going undrafted in 2016 to becoming a starter for the Mavericks and then a role player for the Lakers, he’s always found a way to contribute despite long odds.
But injuries have become a growing concern. His ankle problems not only affected his play during games but also raised red flags about his durability going forward.
Still, if his surgery leads to a full recovery, he can bounce back, especially given his work ethic and conditioning.
“He’s one of those guys who never quits,” a league source said. “You know what you’re getting every night — effort, defense and shooting.”
Roster Strategy Hangs in the Balance
With Finney-Smith’s status up in the air, the Lakers need to reevaluate their roster-building strategy heading into free agency and training camp.
Questions now:
- Can Finney-Smith be back for the start of the season?
- Will he be able to maintain his defensive intensity and three-point shooting?
- Should the Lakers add more wing depth in case of setbacks? Now it gets tough, and a little luck.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunity
Despite the mess, the Lakers can still build a good team — if they play their cards right.
A full recovery from surgery could have Finney-Smith back to being a reliable glue guy — exactly what the Lakers need to support their stars.
And if he can’t get back to form? The Lakers can pivot to younger, cheaper options — which would keep them under the tax and give them flexibility for future moves.
Either way, how the Lakers handle this will be a test of their front office’s ability to adapt under pressure.
Final Takeaway: Navigating Uncertainty With Finesse
The 2025 season is full of variables — health, chemistry, timing.
Dorian Finney-Smith’s injury history and salary-cap impact is just one piece of the puzzle. But it’s a big one. How do you balance short-term with long-term?
Only time will tell if the Lakers made the right call.
But one thing is for sure — navigating this will take more than talent. It’ll take smart management , strategic patience , and a little luck.