American News: Lakers Smith has undergone left ankle surgery and is expected to return during training camp in the new season

June 13th According to the latest report by well-known sports reporter Dave McMenamin, Lakers forward Finney Smith recently underwent left ankle surgery and is expected to return during the 2025-26 season training camp.

Dave McMenamin mentioned in the report: "Smith has been playing with an injury before, and the chronic ankle problem has affected his left calf health. The purpose of this operation is to solve the ankle injury that has plagued him for many seasons, so that he can participate in the game without pain."

Since being traded to the Lakers, Smith has missed 8 games due to what the Lakers officially called "left ankle injury management". During the Nets, he missed 12 games due to the same ankle injury, which in turn caused discomfort in his left calf.

Despite being plagued by injuries, Smith is still an important contributor to the Lakers' third place in the Western Conference and win 50 wins for the first time since the 2019-20 season. In the regular season, Smith played 29 wins and 14 losses in 43 games; in his 20 starts, the Lakers achieved 14 wins and 6 losses.

As a typical "3D" player, Smith contributed stable outside firepower and reliable defense to the Lakers. His Lakers ranked 11th in the offensive efficiency league last season and 17th in the defensive efficiency. During his time with the Lakers, Smith averaged 7.9 points per game, shooting 44.2% from the field, 39.8% from three-pointers, and had 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

Next Smith will decide whether to execute the last-year player option worth $15.4 million in the contract by June 29 (local time). Before the free market opened on June 30 (local time), he was also qualified to renew his contract in advance. If he chooses not to execute the player option, he will be eligible for a new four-year, $90.2 million contract. From now until June 28, the Lakers can provide him with a three-year, $54 million contract extension.