Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: Dorian
Dorian Finney-Smith Injury Status For Lakers vs Wizards
Will the Los Angeles Lakers’ 3-and-D swingman Dorian Finney-Smith suit up against the lowly Washington Wizards on Thursday night?
More Lakers: Los Angeles Reportedly Out of Running for Blockbuster De’Aaron Fox Trade
According to the league’s latest injury report, the 6-foot-7 small forward is currently questionable to suit up through a right shoulder contusion.
Elsewhere on Los Angeles’ injury report, point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain) are officially sidelined for the contest.
More Lakers: Anthony Davis Demands Los Angeles Trade for ‘Another Big’ This Year
The biggest Lakers absence, of course, will be nine-time All-Star Lakers center Anthony Davis, who is expected to be out for at least a week while he deals with his abdominal muscle strain.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin tweets that Jaxson Hayes will nab the starting gig at center with Davis absent.
Jaxson Hayes will start at center tonight in WAS with Anthony Davis (abdominal strain) out, Hayes said.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 30, 2025
Power forward/center Christian Wood, who had been expected to be one of Davis’ top backups heading into the 2024-25 season, has yet to make his debut while he continues to rehabilitate from a left knee surgery.
Reserve point guard Gabe Vincent, one of L.A.’s best perimeter defenders who can barely get anything cooking on the other end, is questionable to play through a left knee contusion. He has been shelved since L.A.’s 118-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors on January 25 with the ailment. 21-time All-Star power forward LeBron James, too, is questionable to play through his lingering left foot injury.
Three Wizards veterans and one disappointing 2024 NBA Draft lottery pick are all on the shelf. Center Marvin Bagley III (right knee sprain), forward Saddiq Bey (left knee ACL surgery), former 2023 Sixth Man of the Year point guard Malcolm Brogdon (right foot plantar fascia contusion) and rookie forward Alex Sarr (left ankle sprain) are all out.
Finney-Smith has been a boon to Los Angeles since the Lakers acquired him (and little-used shooting guard Shake Milton) in exchange for three second round picks, second-year forward Maxwell Christie and D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract last month. He has mightily helped shore up the Lakers’ defense on the wing, and is a reliable catch-and-shoot option.
The 31-year-old vet has shown off some surprising athleticism, even as one of the Lakers’ oldest players.
DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH MY GOODNESS
Throws down the RIM-ROCKING slam! pic.twitter.com/REzmi8gL2X
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
Across his 12 healthy games for L.A., Finney-Smith has been averaging 6.2 points on an efficient shooting line of .458/.372/.800, along with 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.8 assists.
More Lakers:
Full List of Lakers Assets Heading into Trade Deadline
Los Angeles Predicted to Ditch Austin Reaves for $163 Million Star Guard
For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Lakers On SI.
Dorian Finney-Smith Injury Status For Lakers vs WizardsDallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith suffered a left leg injury during a recent game against the Houston Rockets. As the Mavericks prepare to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards in their upcoming games, fans are anxious to know Finney-Smith’s injury status.
According to reports, Finney-Smith is listed as day-to-day and his availability for the games against the Lakers and Wizards is uncertain at this time. The team is closely monitoring his progress and will provide updates as they become available.
Finney-Smith has been a key player for the Mavericks this season, averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. His absence would certainly be felt on the court, but the team is hopeful that he will be able to return to action soon.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dorian Finney-Smith’s injury status for the upcoming games against the Lakers and Wizards. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for the talented forward.
Tags:
- Dorian Finney-Smith injury update
- Lakers vs Wizards injury report
- Dorian Finney-Smith latest injury news
- Dorian Finney-Smith status for Lakers vs Wizards game
- Dorian Finney-Smith injury update for upcoming game
- Lakers vs Wizards injury update on Dorian Finney-Smith
- Dorian Finney-Smith injury status for NBA game
- Dorian Finney-Smith injury news for Lakers vs Wizards matchup
- Dorian Finney-Smith availability for Lakers vs Wizards game
- Dorian Finney-Smith injury update and game status
#Dorian #FinneySmith #Injury #Status #Lakers #Wizards
Dorian Finney-Smith (shoulder) cleared to play Saturday – Dorian Finney-Smith News
by Leo Sells | Lakers Correspondent | Sat, Feb 1st 7:35pm EST
Dorian Finney-Smith (shoulder) has been cleared to play in Saturday’s game against the New York Knicks. (Ryan Ward on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact:
Finney-Smith is set to make his return to the lineup on Saturday after missing Thursday’s game due to a shoulder injury. There’s no reason to think that he won’t be a good fantasy option against New York, and he will even be in line for a large workload with Anthony Davis (core) sidelined again for Los Angeles.
Category:
Injury Updates |
More Dorian Finney-Smith: News, Rankings, Stats
Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been cleared to play in Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns after recovering from a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old has been a key contributor for the Mavericks this season, averaging 10.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.Finney-Smith’s return is a welcome boost for the Mavericks as they continue to push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. His defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will be valuable assets for Dallas down the stretch.
Fans can expect to see Finney-Smith back in action on Saturday, ready to make an impact on both ends of the court. Stay tuned for updates on his performance and contribution to the team’s success as the season progresses. #DorianFinneySmith #DallasMavericks #NBA #InjuryUpdate
Tags:
Dorian Finney-Smith, shoulder injury, cleared to play, NBA news, Dallas Mavericks, basketball updates, sports injury update, Dorian Finney-Smith updates, player injury news
#Dorian #FinneySmith #shoulder #cleared #play #Saturday #Dorian #FinneySmith #NewsDorian Finney-Smith Discusses Ankle Injury, “Crazy” Two Weeks For Him & Lakers
After the Lakers’ win over the Wizards, Dorian Finney-Smith discussed the ankle injury he’s been dealing with, the crazy two weeks he’s had and more. Join our LN YouTube Channel for perks like extra shows, input on content, badges and more! https://www.youtube.com/lakersnation/join Join us on Playback for our live stream of every game!: https://www.playback.tv/lakersnation Subscribe To The Lakers Nation Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lakers-nation-podcast/id1200202500 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RvQfs2iFUWc0sFMdHaN7o?si=L6qBbuieQsqOP4fUvnzo5Q Subscribe to our NBA Front Office Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NBAFrontOffice Subscribe To Dodger Blue: https://www.youtube.com/@DodgerBlue1958 Subscribe to Raptors Nation: https://www.youtube.com/@raptorsnationcom Help us continue to provide Lakers coverage and SUBSCRIBE: https://goo.gl/5AXSud Our MOST POPULAR Videos: https://goo.gl/k4Xvqq…
Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith recently opened up about his ankle injury and the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced over the past two weeks. In an interview with reporters, Finney-Smith discussed the severity of his injury and the challenges he faced in his recovery process.Finney-Smith revealed that he initially thought his ankle injury was not serious and would only require a few days of rest. However, further evaluation by team doctors revealed that he had suffered a more significant injury that would sideline him for an extended period of time.
“It was definitely a shock to me when I found out the severity of the injury. I thought I would be back on the court in no time, but I had to come to terms with the fact that I would be out for a while,” Finney-Smith said.
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for Finney-Smith, as he navigated the emotions of disappointment, frustration, and determination to come back stronger. Despite the setback, Finney-Smith remained positive and focused on his recovery.
“It’s been a crazy two weeks for me, but I’m staying positive and working hard to get back on the court as soon as possible. I have a great support system in my teammates and coaches, and I know they have my back,” Finney-Smith added.
The Mavericks forward also addressed the recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he watched from the sidelines as his team secured a victory. Finney-Smith expressed his admiration for his teammates’ resilience and determination, despite facing adversity.
“I was so proud of the way my teammates stepped up in my absence and pulled off a great win against the Lakers. It just goes to show the depth and talent we have on this team, and I can’t wait to be back out there with them,” Finney-Smith said.
As Finney-Smith continues his recovery journey, he remains focused on staying positive and working hard to return to the court. Mavericks fans can expect to see him back in action soon, ready to make an impact for his team.
Tags:
Dorian Finney-Smith, ankle injury, NBA, basketball, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, injury update, athlete news, sports injury, recovery timeline, professional basketball, player interview, sports news, ankle rehabilitation, athlete health, NBA update
#Dorian #FinneySmith #Discusses #Ankle #Injury #Crazy #Weeks #LakersEvery Team Would Want Dorian Finney-Smith On Roster
Dorian Finney-Smith was one of the more sought after trade targets in the NBA as the 3-and-D wing is a proven commodity who can fit in with any team and has plenty of playoff experience as well. The Los Angeles Lakers acquiring him was a big move and brought the team a reliable role player who is an ideal fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Finney-Smith has only been with the Lakers for a few weeks and there have been some good moments and some rough outings as he gets comfortable with his new team. He notably poured in 16 points on 4-of-6 from 3-point range in a recent victory over the Washington Wizards, showing a flash of what he can be once he gets comfortable.
Even as he continues to figure out his place within the Lakers, what Finney-Smith brings to the team is still clear for everyone to see. That includes guard Austin Reaves, who has nothing but great things to say about Finney-Smith and feels he will only get better as things go on.
“A lot,” Reaves responded when asked what Finney-Smith brings to the Lakers. “Doe is a player that I think if you go ask 30 teams in the league if they would take him on their roster, they would all say yes. He’s a competitor, plays the game the right way, plays defense, makes open shots, makes the right play. I don’t know, this is what his seventh game since the trade happened and there’s been some ups and downs, we’ve had some conversations on how I can help him and how he can help our team.
“One thing I know about him, like I said, he’s a team player that wants to help the team be successful. You always want guys like that on your team. But he’s continuing to grow and is just gonna get better.”
As Reaves said, any team in the league would want a player like Finney-Smith on their roster and the Lakers are happy to have him. As time goes on and he gets more comfortable, and healthy, his impact on this team will only be greater and the Lakers will continue to improve.
Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction since joining Lakers
One thing that many noticed since Dorian Finney-Smith joined the Lakers was that his minutes seemed a bit low. But there was a reason for that as coach JJ Redick revealed the wing has been on a minutes restriction due to an ankle injury he had been dealing with since earlier this season.
“It’s been hard because he’s been on a minute restriction since we got him,” Redick said before Tuesday’s game. “So just having to kind of navigate that and save those like four or five minutes for the end of the game has been challenging. We got word today that we can up his minutes from 20 to 24, so that helps […] “But I think he’s in a good spot.
“Super comfortable with him and he’s super comfortable in his role. I think as the season progresses we hope that minute total gets back up to kind of what he was doing in Brooklyn, about 29 or 30 minutes a game. That’s kind of what we’re all hoping for.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
Dorian Finney-Smith may not always make the headlines or be a household name, but any team in the NBA would be lucky to have him on their roster.Finney-Smith, a versatile forward for the Dallas Mavericks, may not put up eye-popping stats night in and night out, but he brings so much more to the table than just numbers. His defensive prowess, hustle, and team-first mentality make him a valuable asset to any team.
On the defensive end, Finney-Smith can guard multiple positions effectively. He has the length, athleticism, and instincts to disrupt opponents and make life difficult for them on the court. His ability to switch onto guards and big men alike makes him a versatile defender that any coach would love to have in their lineup.
Offensively, Finney-Smith may not be a high-volume scorer, but he can knock down three-pointers consistently and make plays for his teammates. His basketball IQ and unselfishness on the court make him a valuable piece in any offensive system.
But perhaps the most valuable aspect of Finney-Smith’s game is his intangibles. He is a hard worker, a great teammate, and a player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His energy and effort on the court are contagious, and he sets a great example for his teammates with his work ethic and attitude.
In short, Dorian Finney-Smith may not be a flashy star player, but he is the type of player that every team needs to be successful. His defensive versatility, shooting ability, and intangibles make him a valuable asset that any team would want on their roster.
Tags:
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- NBA player
- Basketball roster
- Dallas Mavericks
- Team player
- NBA roster
- Dorian Finney-Smith contract
- Professional athlete
- Basketball team
- Playing style
#Team #Dorian #FinneySmith #Roster
How Dorian Finney-Smith can unlock the best version of the Lakers
LOS ANGELES—The Lakers‘ game against the 6-35 Washington Wizards on Tuesday night was a winnable one.
The matchup isn’t exactly a “tale of two teams,” but the Lakers are miles ahead of the league’s worst team as they made it 11 straight defeats for Washington, waltzing to a 111-88 victory.
When looking at why the Lakers dominated, the usual suspects stood out. Anthony Davis led the team in scoring and rebounding with 29 and 16, respectively, and LeBron James messed around and got a triple-double.
Their performance explains why the Lakers won, but one of the reasons it came so easily? Dorian Finney-Smith.
The Lakers traded for DFS near the end of December, and his transition has been hectic. It involved a cross-country move, wildfires devastating Los Angeles County and the birth of his baby boy.
“It’s been a crazy two, three weeks, but I get to play the game I love,” Finney-Smith said after the win.
Through it all, he’s had to learn on the fly, understand his new role and try and help this team win games. Tuesday was the culmination of everything the Lakers were hoping to achieve by acquiring Finney-Smith.
He was quick on the perimeter, contesting shots, switching when necessary and communicating with his teammates to ensure everyone was in the right place.
Regardless of his shots going in or not, DFS provides a baseline level of quality defense. But against the Wizards, his offense showed up as well.
Although he only took two shots in the first quarter, he made them count. He hit both of his corner 3-pointers, one from the right and the other from the left.
In the second, he hit his third 3-pointer, remaining perfect on the night and helping the Lakers enter the half up by 10. DFS played just under 12 minutes through two quarters, the seventh-most minutes played by a Laker at that point.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned pregame that they’ve been forced to restrict Finney-Smith. He’s been on a minutes limit due to an ankle injury that predates him joining the Lakers.
“It’s been hard because he’s been on a restriction since we got him,” Redick said. “So, just having to kind of navigate that and try to save him, save those like four, five minutes for the end of the game, it’s been challenging. We got word today that we can up his minutes from 20 to 24, so that helps…I think as the season progresses, we hope that that minute total gets back up to kind of what he was doing in Brooklyn, about 29-30 minutes a game. That’s kind of what we’re all hoping for.”
This is the first time the Lakers have mentioned any kind of minutes restriction for DFS. It’s also interesting to note that he’s now allowed to increase his minutes from 20 to 24 but has played 24 or more minutes in three of the six games he’s played as a Laker.
“Under a minute restriction, it’s tough, sometimes,” Finney-Smith said postgame. “You’re definitely trying to find your groove with a team. Today I probably played for the longest stretch in that first half. It felt like my lungs were going to collapse, but it’s been fun man, playing with these guys, just trying to collect some wins.”
Once the second half began, his jumper continued to flow like water. DFS scored two points in the third and five in the fourth to close out the Wizards for good and ensured the team’s defensive intensity stayed at a respectable level.
Finney-Smith displayed countless examples of why he is such a valuable player for a winning team against the Wizards. One moment that stood out and could easily be forgotten happened in the fourth.
With 9:18 left, DFS inbounded the ball to Austin Reaves and located himself in the corner.
Positioned in the high post with the ball, LeBron received a screen from Jaxson Hayes. Finney-Smith saw this and moved from the corner to the wing. James found him for a good look from three, which he knocked down.
On the very next defensive possession, DFS didn’t get the deflection on a Bub Carrington pass, but by raising his arms and remaining active, he caused the pass to be erratic and off-target.
The Wizards didn’t get a good look from the pass and rushed a corner 3-pointer to try to beat the shot clock. They failed to do so, resulting in an airball and another Washington turnover.
The Lakers were already up by 12 before this sequence, but DFS made it a 15-point game and kept Los Angeles in full control. These are winning plays and the kind of momentum killers that good teams execute on and bad teams fumble regularly.
Thanks to the play of DFS, the Lakers never let go of the proverbial rope and ended up with their largest margin of victory on the season.
With just as much of the season in front of them as behind them, L.A. has plenty of work left to do. They sit at 23-18, good enough for the sixth seed but far from the ultimate goal of title contention.
Whether L.A. continues to climb the mountain that is the West and reaches the summit of an NBA Finals appearance in June remains to be seen. If they do get there, it’ll be because everyone on the roster buys into and accepts their role.
In just a few short weeks, DFS has shown why Redick has been a fan of his for years and, in Tuesday’s win, he demonstrated why all Lakers fans should love him too.
The Lakers will always be competitive with LeBron and AD leading the way. But the best version of this team features DFS playing at the level he did against the Wizards.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.
Dorian Finney-Smith has been making waves in the NBA with his impressive skills on both ends of the court. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset to any team. With the Los Angeles Lakers looking to improve their roster, adding Finney-Smith could be the key to unlocking their full potential.One way Finney-Smith can elevate the Lakers is by providing much-needed depth at the forward position. His versatility allows him to play both small forward and power forward, giving the Lakers more options in their lineup. This flexibility could help the team adjust to different matchups and play styles, making them a more formidable opponent.
Additionally, Finney-Smith’s defensive prowess could greatly benefit the Lakers. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes could help improve the team’s defense, which has been a weak spot for them in recent years. With Finney-Smith on the roster, the Lakers could become a more well-rounded team that can compete with the best in the league.
Overall, adding Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers could be the missing piece that unlocks their full potential. His shooting, defense, and versatility make him a valuable asset that could take the team to the next level. Lakers fans should keep an eye on Finney-Smith this offseason, as he could be the key to bringing a championship back to Los Angeles.
Tags:
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA
- Basketball
- Player development
- Team chemistry
- Championship aspirations
- Lakers roster
- Role player
- NBA playoffs
#Dorian #FinneySmith #unlock #version #Lakers
JJ Redick on why Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t gotten heavy minutes
Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers acquired forward Dorian Finney-Smith in a Dec. 29 trade with the Brooklyn Nets, many fans have been wanting him to move into the starting lineup. At the very least, fans want to see him get more playing time, given the fact that he appears to be the rangy 3-and-D wing the team has lacked for some time.
Since coming to the Lakers, Finney-Smith has averaged 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds a game while shooting 36% from 3-point range. But he’s averaging a modest 23.4 minutes a game, compared to the 29.0 minutes per game he played while with the Nets earlier this season.
Head coach JJ Redick said Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction ever since his arrival. However, he also said the forward has been cleared to increase his playing time a bit.
Finney-Smith may not be an elite defender, but at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, he has the size to bother opposing wings defensively, and he also tends to get deflections and muck things up on that end of the floor. He has also been a reliable 3-point shooter, which is another skill set Los Angeles has lacked.
JJ Redick on why Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t gotten heavy minutesDuring a recent podcast episode, veteran NBA player JJ Redick shared his thoughts on why Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t received heavier minutes this season.
Redick pointed out that Finney-Smith’s playing time has been limited due to the team’s depth at the forward position, with players like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber also vying for minutes. He emphasized that it’s not a reflection of Finney-Smith’s talent or ability, but rather a result of the team’s rotation and coaching decisions.
Despite the limited playing time, Redick praised Finney-Smith for his contributions whenever he’s on the court, noting his defensive versatility and energy on both ends of the floor. He expressed confidence that Finney-Smith will continue to make an impact for the Mavericks as the season progresses.
Overall, Redick’s insights shed light on the challenges of managing playing time in a competitive NBA environment and the importance of players like Finney-Smith staying ready and making the most of their opportunities.
Tags:
- JJ Redick
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- NBA minutes
- Dallas Mavericks
- NBA player rotation
- Player development
- Basketball strategy
- Playing time decisions
- Coach’s decisions
- Rotational player analysis
#Redick #Dorian #FinneySmith #hasnt #heavy #minutes
Dorian Finney-Smith Admits Minute Restriction With Lakers Is ‘Tough’ But Ankle Is ‘Getting Better’
Dorian Finney-Smith had his best overall game as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The forward finished with 16 points, knocking down four 3-pointers in the Lakers’ victory over the Washington Wizards while still providing his normal solid defense.
Finney-Smith did so in just 22 minutes as he has been on a minute restriction while dealing with an ongoing ankle injury. And even though he isn’t the biggest fan of limited minutes, he is still having fun playing with his Lakers teammates.
“A lot going on, it’s been a crazy two weeks. But I get to play the game I love,” Finney-Smith said after the win. “The minute restriction has been tough sometimes when you’re trying to find your groove with the team. Today I probably played for the longest stretch in the first half and I felt like my lungs were gonna collapse. But it’s been fun, it’s been fun playing with these guys and just trying to collect some wins and keep it going.”
It is great to hear Finney-Smith enjoying his time with the Lakers and playing with his teammates, but he is also a competitor who wants to be on the court as much as possible. In fact he would thank the Lakers staff for preventing himself from making his injury worse as he felt he did earlier this season.
“Just fighting through injuries. Me being me and not wanting to sit,” Finney-Smith responded when asked about the injury that caused this minute restriction. “Probably made it worse earlier in the year. I got a shot before a game and I played the next game so sometimes I hurt myself. Shoutout to the staff and the trainers in there, they’re helping me save myself from making it worse. I’ve been begging to play more minutes but it is what it is.”
Most important now is that the injury is improving and Finney-Smith is getting closer to be 100%. “It’s good. It’s been getting better,” he noted. “That’s all I got. I can play defense.”
Playing defense and knocking down 3-pointers is why the Lakers acquired Finney-Smith so if he is doing that at a high level, the Lakers will be better for it and everyone in the organization will be happy.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis pushing for Lakers to make trades
Acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith was an important move for the Lakers, but there are still a couple of weeks until the trade deadline and LeBron James and Anthony Davis are reportedly hoping for another big move to bring this team closer to contender status.
A recent report stated that LeBron and Davis are concerned about the Lakers’ ability to make a move before the deadline and that the duo feel this team are only a piece or two away from championship contention. The report added that the Lakers are willing to part with their valuable first-round picks, but only for players who will help this team for years to come, not just a short-term move.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith recently opened up about the minute restriction he is facing while playing against the Los Angeles Lakers. In a post-game interview, Finney-Smith admitted that it has been tough not being able to play as much as he would like, but he understands the importance of taking care of his ankle.Finney-Smith has been dealing with an ankle injury that has limited his playing time in recent games. Despite the frustration of not being able to contribute as much as he would like, he remains focused on getting healthy and returning to full strength.
“It’s definitely tough not being able to be out there as much as I want to be,” Finney-Smith said. “But I know that I need to take care of my ankle and make sure that I am fully healthy before pushing myself too hard. The good news is that my ankle is getting better every day, and I am confident that I will be back to playing at full capacity soon.”
Fans of the Mavericks are surely eager to see Finney-Smith back on the court at full strength, and his dedication to his recovery is a promising sign for the team’s future success. In the meantime, Finney-Smith is focused on doing whatever it takes to get back to playing at the level he knows he is capable of.
Stay tuned for updates on Finney-Smith’s progress and return to the court with the Mavericks.
Tags:
Dorian Finney-Smith, Lakers, minute restriction, ankle injury, recovery, NBA, basketball, player update, sports news, Los Angeles Lakers, Dorian Finney-Smith update
#Dorian #FinneySmith #Admits #Minute #Restriction #Lakers #Tough #AnkleLakers loosen minutes restriction for Dorian Finney-Smith – Orange County Register
LOS ANGELES — Lakers forward Dorian-Finney Smith has been on a minutes restriction since the team acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets in late December, but that playing time limitation was increased ahead of the team’s home game against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.
When asked about Finney Smith’s comfort with the team and the team’s comfort with playing him more, Coach JJ Redick acknowledged before the game that Finney-Smith has been on a playing time restriction since he and Shake Milton joined the team in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks in the Dec. 29 trade.
“It’s been hard because he’s been on a minutes restriction since we got him, so just having to kind of navigate that and try to save him, save those like four or five minutes for the end of the game, it’s been challenging,” Redick said. “We got word [on Tuesday] that we can up his minutes from 20 to 24. So that helps, that helps.”
Finney-Smith entered Tuesday averaging 23.4 minutes in the seven games he has played with the Lakers, down from the 29 minutes he averaged in the 20 games he played for the Nets before being traded.
Redick said Finney-Smith was on a minutes restriction because of an ankle ailment.
Finney-Smith sat out of four games in late November/early December because of a sprained left ankle.
He also missed time before being traded because of a left calf contusion – which Finney-Smith said was related.
Finney-Smith has only been able to practice once – on Jan. 10 – since joining the Lakers.
He wasn’t able to participate in their Dec. 30 practice as the physicals from the trade were being completed and missed the Jan. 16 practice because he was away from the team for personal reasons. His wife gave birth to a boy earlier in the month.
“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 of the schedule changes because of the wildfires. “And then of course he has to leave.
“But I think he’s in a good spot. We’re super comfortable with him and he’s super comfortable in his role. As the season progresses, we hope that that minute total gets back up to kind of what he was doing in Brooklyn. About 29, 30 minutes a game. That’s kind of what we’re all hoping for.”
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Tuesday was the Lakers’ 41st game, marking the midway point of the regular season and providing Redick the opportunity to reflect on how he’s grown since being hired as a first-time coach in late June.
“My assistants would have a better answer for you,” Redick said. “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.
“In game, there are certain things that are out of your control. But the things that I can control, I think I’ve been pretty good with. But there’s obviously things that you look back at certain games, certain losses, and you’re like, ‘Hmm. Should’ve done that.’
Redick added: “The San Antonio game [on Dec. 13]. Great 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. And we talked about it as a staff pregame, 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. So there’s always things you’re evaluating and wish you could do better.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to loosen the minutes restriction for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, according to the Orange County Register. Finney-Smith, who has been dealing with a nagging injury, will now be able to play extended minutes and contribute more to the team’s success.This decision comes after Finney-Smith has shown significant improvement in his conditioning and performance in recent games. The Lakers are hoping that by allowing him to play more minutes, Finney-Smith will be able to make a bigger impact on both ends of the court and help the team secure more wins.
Fans of the Lakers can look forward to seeing Finney-Smith in action for longer stretches of time, as he continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team. With the minutes restriction lifted, Finney-Smith will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and help the Lakers in their quest for a championship.
Tags:
- Lakers
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Minutes restriction
- Los Angeles
- NBA
- Basketball
- Sports news
- Lakers news
- Orange County Register
- Player update
#Lakers #loosen #minutes #restriction #Dorian #FinneySmith #Orange #County #Register
JJ Redick on why Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t gotten heavy minutes
Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers acquired forward Dorian Finney-Smith in a Dec. 29 trade with the Brooklyn Nets, many fans have been wanting him to move into the starting lineup. At the very least, fans want to see him get more playing time, given the fact that he appears to be the rangy 3-and-D wing the team has lacked for some time.
Since coming to the Lakers, Finney-Smith has averaged 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds a game while shooting 36% from 3-point range. But he’s averaging a modest 23.4 minutes a game, compared to the 29.0 minutes per game he played while with the Nets earlier this season.
Head coach JJ Redick said Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction ever since his arrival. However, he also said the forward has been cleared to increase his playing time a bit.
JJ Redick says Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction because of his ankle since they acquired him, but has been cleared to add 4-5 minutes to his nightly total.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 22, 2025
Finney-Smith may not be an elite defender, but at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, he has the size to bother opposing wings defensively, and he also tends to get deflections and muck things up on that end of the floor. He has also been a reliable 3-point shooter, which is another skill set Los Angeles has lacked.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick on why Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t gotten heavy minutes
JJ Redick, a veteran NBA player known for his sharpshooting and basketball IQ, recently shared his thoughts on why Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t received heavy minutes despite his solid performances.In an interview with a local sports radio station, Redick explained that Finney-Smith’s lack of playing time can be attributed to the team’s deep roster and the presence of other key players in the rotation.
“Dorian is a great player and brings a lot to the table, but the Mavericks have a lot of depth at the forward position with players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and Josh Richardson getting significant minutes,” Redick said. “It’s just a matter of finding the right balance and matchups for each game.”
Redick also mentioned that Finney-Smith’s versatility and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for the team, even if he isn’t getting as many minutes as some fans would like.
“Dorian’s ability to guard multiple positions and knock down shots makes him a key contributor, even in limited minutes,” Redick added. “It’s all about maximizing his strengths and finding ways to utilize him effectively on the court.”
While Finney-Smith may not be playing as much as some fans would hope, Redick’s insights shed light on the team’s strategy and the importance of having a deep rotation in the NBA. It’s clear that Finney-Smith’s time will come, and when it does, he’ll be ready to make a significant impact for the Mavericks.
Tags:
JJ Redick, Dorian Finney-Smith, NBA, minutes, playing time, Dallas Mavericks, basketball, player rotation, bench player, starting lineup, team dynamics
#Redick #Dorian #FinneySmith #hasnt #heavy #minutes
