The Lakers can't afford another long-term absentee, especially someone like Dorian Finney-Smith, their best wing and switch defender. Finney-Smith is also adjusting with every game. The Lakers are five games over .500, so there's no rush for them to make immediate changes to the lineup.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction ever since the team acquired him in a Dec. 29 trade due to an ankle ailment. Lately, many fans have been wanting Finney-Smith to move into the starting lineup, but he continues to come off the bench, at least for now.

Anthony Davis (plantar fasciitis) and Dorian Finney-Smith (personal) didn't play on Friday, and both will be needed on Sunday if the Lakers are to win and take over fifth place in the West. Head coach JJ Redick said after Friday's win that he expects both ...

Finney-Smith will come off the bench in Tuesday's game against the 76ers, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

JJ Redick, suffice to say, was not too pleased with how the Lakers performed on Tuesday night in a nightmare outing vs. the 76ers.

Philadelphia shot 16 free throws in the second quarter alone, Dorian Finney-Smith picking up three of his four first-half fouls in the quarter. The Lakers also were without Jarred Vanderbilt, the team electing to hold him out on the second night of a back-to-back after he missed the first 42 games of the year.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction since he was traded.

The Los Angeles Lakers have turned a corner that few expected them to be able to. JJ Redick deserves credit for the development.

Smith's status is in doubt for the Lakers' first meeting with the Nets since acquiring him in a Dec. 29 trade.

Can see increased playing time