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.

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully aware that each game is a crucial component in their quest for playoff positioning in a highly competitive Western Conference. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for urgency as the Lakers aim to climb the standings. On Monday, they showcased this urgency by defeating the Houston Rockets 104-98, with LeBron James playing a decisive role by sealing the game with key free throws and a crucial block.

James contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, but it was Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent who significantly impacted the game off the bench. Finney-Smith scored a season-high 20 points, hitting six three-pointers, while Vincent matched him with 20 points of his own. The victory keeps the Lakers within striking distance of the second-seeded Rockets as the regular season draws to a close, with the teams set to clash again on April 11 for potential tiebreaker implications.

The Los Angeles Lakers managed to secure a much-needed victory against the Phoenix Suns, registering a 107-96 win after a challenging four-game road trip that saw them drop in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers, who were without LeBron James due to a groin strain, relied heavily on their defense, limiting the Suns to a mere 27.3% shooting in the first quarter. Coaches emphasized the significance of physicality and teamwork on defense, which has markedly improved since a personnel shift at the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, the Suns, though bringing a star-studded lineup including Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, struggled to find their rhythm. The Lakers' new defensive strategies, including the contributions of players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent, have propelled them into playoff contention. As they continue to refine their lineup, the Lakers aim to maintain their defensive momentum and effectively prepare for the upcoming challenges in the final stretch of the regular season.