Dorian Finney-Smith has emerged as a pivotal figure for the Los Angeles Lakers following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets. His presence has provided the team with much-needed versatility on defense and increased effectiveness in a 3-and-D role. Finney-Smith leads the league in defensive positional versatility, showcasing his ability to guard multiple positions.

His contribution goes beyond traditional statistics, as his impact is reflected in the highest net rating of any Lakers player at 10.6. Coach JJ Redick’s defensive strategy, which emphasizes switching, has gained momentum since Finney-Smith's arrival, marking a significant shift in the team's defensive identity. This transformation is crucial as the Lakers aim for championship contention with Luka Doncic now on the roster.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured an impressive victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, dominating the game 126-99, despite the Thunder holding the best record in the NBA. As they prepare for a rematch on Tuesday, the Lakers face a challenge with several key players potentially sidelined. Notably, starting forward Rui Hachimura is confirmed out, while LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent are all listed as questionable. The Lakers will need to navigate this challenging lineup as they aim to send a strong message about their playoff ambitions.

Dorian Finney-Smith has quietly made a significant impact since joining the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing to their resurgence in the standings. Acquired in a trade that sent D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith has quickly established himself as a vital piece of the Lakers' roster, particularly with his defensive prowess and 3-point shooting capabilities. His leadership on and off the court has not gone unnoticed, as he has been named a finalist for the NBA's Sportsmanship Award. With the playoffs approaching, his ability to match up against elite wing players will be crucial for Los Angeles' success.

Dorian Finney-Smith's recent play has been pivotal for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in terms of perimeter shooting and defensive efforts. His continuous improvement has led to a notable uptick in his three-point shooting since joining the team. During a recent victory over the Houston Rockets, Finney-Smith attempted 11 three-pointers, successfully landing six, scoring a total of 20 points. Luka Doncic has actively pushed him to be more confident and aggressive with his shot, emphasizing that he should seize open opportunities.

In conversations with Finney-Smith, Doncic expressed his desire for him to take more shots, reinforcing the trust they have in each other on the court. Finney-Smith's shooting percentage has also improved significantly over the past few games, boasting a 40.2% from three-point range in March. This influence from Doncic, alongside encouragement from teammates like LeBron James, has empowered Finney-Smith to elevate his offensive contributions, marking a crucial development as the Lakers chase postseason success.

The fantasy playoffs are heating up as teams make their final pushes to secure their spots or improve their standings. Streaming players has never been more pertinent, especially as injuries and roster rotations continue to shape lineups. With just two weeks left in the regular season, here are seven players to consider adding to your roster this week.

Pelle Larsson, currently at 1% ownership, has stepped in for Andrew Wiggins during his absence and has performed admirably, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over two starts. Meanwhile, Kyle Filipowski (36% owned) of the Utah Jazz has proven to be a reliable option, starting the last five games and consistently scoring in double figures. Brice Sensabaugh (7%) has also emerged as a viable scorer for Utah, contributing heavily in his recent starts.

Keon Ellis (25%) is another name to keep an eye on as he starts for the Sacramento Kings, providing potential defensive stats due to his starting role. Gabe Vincent (1%) of the Los Angeles Lakers is on a hot streak, scoring 20 points in his last game, while Dorian Finney-Smith (7%) has shown potential with solid performances in recent games. Lastly, Keon Johnson (20%) is making strides for the Brooklyn Nets, although he faces a schedule with only two games remaining this week.