Lakers fans have been wanting to see forward Dorian Finney-Smith get more playing time, if not move into the starting lineup.

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

Los Angeles Lakers sixth man small forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been ruled out for what would have been his first clash with his last team, the Brooklyn Nets

The veteran forward has been limited – and away from the team briefly – since he was acquired in a late-December trade, but he was cleared for more minutes ahead of Tuesday’s game.

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.

L.A. sends Maxwell Lewis and 3 future second-round picks to Brooklyn as part of the deal for Finney-Smith and Shake Milton.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed before their 111-88 win over the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena that Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction. The reason for it was an ankle injury Finney-Smith suffered with the Brooklyn Nets and the forward was asked about his health postgame.

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.

The Lakers had one of their most comfortable wins of the season as Dorian Finney-Smith showed just how valuable he can be to the best version of the purple and gold.