Lakers’ Dorian Finney-Smith Cleared for Increased Minutes Amid Injury Recovery

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been cleared to play additional minutes after being on a strict restriction since his trade from the Brooklyn Nets in late December. The decision came ahead of the Lakers’ home game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

Coach JJ Redick confirmed the adjustment, stating that Finney-Smith’s minutes would increase from 20 to 24 per game. “It’s been hard because he’s been on a minutes restriction since we got him,” Redick said. “We got word [on Tuesday] that we can up his minutes from 20 to 24. So that helps, that helps.”

Finney-Smith, who joined the Lakers in a mid-season trade, has averaged 23.4 minutes in seven games with the team, down from the 29 minutes he logged in 20 games with the Nets. The restriction stemmed from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games in late November and early December. He also missed time due to a left calf contusion, which he said was related to the ankle issue.

Since joining the Lakers, Finney-Smith has participated in only one practice, on Jan. 10, due to trade-related physicals and personal reasons. His wife gave birth to a boy earlier in the month, further limiting his availability. “Those practices when we were kind of in limbo and the uncertainty around when we’d be able to play again, we got a lot in,” Redick said, referencing schedule disruptions caused by wildfires. “But I think he’s in a good spot. We’re super comfortable with him, and he’s super comfortable in his role.”

Redick expressed optimism that Finney-Smith’s playing time would eventually return to his Brooklyn average of 29 to 30 minutes per game. Tuesday’s game marked the Lakers’ 41st of the season, the midway point of the regular season, prompting Redick to reflect on his growth as a first-time head coach. “My assistants would have a better answer for you,” Redick joked. “I was very comfortable on Day 1. I’m more comfortable now. The synthesis of information has always been very easy for me. Being able to communicate that has been natural — I’m getting better at that.”

Redick also acknowledged areas for improvement, citing a Dec. 13 loss to the San Antonio Spurs as an example. “With [Victor Wembanyama], we were in 1-5 coverage. It was one of the few games we’ve had where we’re switching across the board,” he said. “Looking back at that game, we should’ve been in coverage with Charles Bassey. He killed us on the offensive glass. Made a difference in the second half.”

As the Lakers aim to optimize Finney-Smith’s contributions, the team remains hopeful that his increased minutes will bolster their performance in the second half of the season.