Warriors’ Podziemski undergoes 2nd surgery

NBA NOTES

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The Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski, above at a Golden State Valkyries game earlier this month, is recovering from a “core muscle” surgery. NHAT V. MEYER — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP, FILE

Sungjae Im hits out of the Church Pews bunker on the third hole during the first round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on Thursday in Oakmont, Pa. PHOTOS BY CHARLIE RIEDEL — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Warriors starting guard Brandin Podziemski has undergone surgery for the second time since the team was eliminated from the postseason last month.

The Warriors announced late Wednesday that Podziemski underwent an operation the previous day to repair what the team referred to as a “core muscle injury.” Podziemski, 22, had previously undergone work on his left wrist.

Podziemski, who just finished his second NBA season, is expected to be ready for training camp this fall, something he confirmed to the Bay Area News Group a week ago at a recent Golden State Valkyries game at Chase Center.

Podziemski averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.8 minutes over 64 games. He became a regular starter for the Warriors after the team acquired forward Jimmy Butler from Miami in February and sent out Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters.

Podziemski is not the only Warriors starter to undergo surgery this offseason. Moses Moody had an operation done on his right hand in May.

— Joseph Dycus, Bay Area News Group

Lakers’ Finney-Smith has ankle surgery >> Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith reportedly had surgery to address left ankle ailments, but is expected to participate when training camp starts in the fall.

ESPN reported on Thursday that Finney-Smith underwent the procedure that will allow him to play “pain-free” after having lingering left ankle ailments.

Finney-Smith, 31, was initially on a minutes restriction after joining the Lakers in December because of the left ankle. The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks.

While with the Nets, Finney-Smith sat out four games in late November and early December because of a sprained left ankle. He also missed time before being traded because of a left calf contusion, which he said at the time was related.

Finney-Smith played a significant role in the Lakers’ 50-win regular season and the team clinching the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings before losing in the first round of the playoffs to Minnesota.

— Southern California News Group