LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
June 2025
LeBron James is prioritizing recovery from a left knee sprain ahead of his 23rd NBA season, with plans to return fully fit for training camp in September.
After averaging 24.4 points last season and making All-NBA, LeBron remains committed to playing, driven by his family and the chance to share the court with Bronny. He has no set retirement timeline and holds a $56.2M player option.
Dorian Finney-Smith (Los Angeles Lakers)
June 2025
Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has undergone left ankle surgery and is expected to return fully fit for 2025-26 training camp. The injury had hampered him for multiple seasons despite strong performances after his midseason arrival from Brooklyn.
After battling chronic ankle pain, Finney-Smith opted for surgery to resolve lingering issues. The Lakers value him highly, and his recovery timeline aligns with extension eligibility. He has until June 29 to decide on his $15.4M player option.
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Ahead of Game 3, June 2025
Haliburton confirmed he’ll play in Game 3 despite visible limping and ankle taping, insisting his “lower leg thing” won’t limit him against the Thunder.
Coach Carlisle said Haliburton isn’t restricted and is improving daily. The guard emphasized reviewing film to fix early-game struggles after two slow first halves.
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
June 2025
Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland had surgery on his left big toe and is expected to be sidelined for 4–5 months, likely missing the start of the next NBA season.
Garland first injured the toe in March, aggravated it in the playoffs, and opted for surgery after struggling through postseason games. The team expects a full recovery by training camp in October.
Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
Injury earlier this week; surgery planned soon
Grizzlies center Zach Edey re-sprained his left ankle during offseason training and will undergo surgery. The All-Rookie first-team pick is expected to miss the start of the 2025–26 season but will fully recover.
The surgery aims to restabilize an ankle that caused missed time during the season. Despite injury setbacks, Edey led all rookies in FG% and rebounds, logging 12 double-doubles and finishing 5th in Rookie of the Year voting.
Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
June 5, 2025
Towns has undergone treatment for a bruised left knee and ligament damage in his left finger, both sustained during the Knicks’ playoff run.
Despite the injuries, he excelled in the playoffs and chose immediate procedures post-season to maximize recovery time for 2025-26.
Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers)
June 1, 2024 (Game 6 vs. Knicks)
Jarace Walker left Game 6 on crutches with a right ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the NBA Finals. The 2023 No. 8 pick exited after playing just seven minutes and scoring two points.
Walker was hurt early in the fourth quarter while defending a drive. His leg bent awkwardly and he collapsed, needing two trainers to help him off. Coach Rick Carlisle remains uncertain if the rookie can recover in four days.
Aaron Nesmith (Indiana Pacers)
Game 4, Tuesday, May 28
Nesmith will play in Game 4 despite a right ankle sprain sustained in Game 3 against the Knicks.
After limping off, Nesmith returned late in Game 3 and has now been cleared. He’s averaged 15.1 PPG and played a key defensive role on Jalen Brunson.
Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets)
Confirmed on Tuesday, May 28
Russell Westbrook is undergoing surgery on his right hand to repair two fractures sustained during the season.
Despite playing 75 games with heavy finger taping in the playoffs, the 36-year-old now enters recovery. He has until June 29 to decide on a $3.3M player option.
Moses Moody (Golden State Warriors)
Surgery completed on Wednesday, May 2025
Warriors guard Moses Moody had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. The team confirmed the 22-year-old is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp.
The procedure was performed in Los Angeles after Moody sustained the injury late in the season. He is coming off his best NBA campaign to date, averaging 9.8 points in the regular season and 7.1 in the playoffs. Moody is entering the first year of a three-year, $37.5 million extension.
