Dorian Finney-Smith of the Lakers is doubtful for the first meeting with the Nets since the trade

Dorian Finney-Smithfirst meeting with Brooklyn Nets as the Dec. 29 trade may have to wait until later this season. The Los Angeles Lakers forward is doubtful for Nets game on Friday for personal reasons.

Finney-Smith missed Wednesday’s 117-108 win over the Heat. It was later revealed that the 31-year-old had become a father earlier this week, with his fiancee announcing the birth of their son on Instagram.

Dorian Finney-Smith’s status is questionable for the Nets-Lakers matchup

Finney-Smith had one of the best starts of his career with the Nets before the trade. The veteran wing averaged 10.4 points while shooting a career-high 43.5 percent from three on 5.4 attempts per game in 20 appearances. He played a key role in Brooklyn’s surprising 9-11 start, posting a +15.9 net rating at trade time, the highest on the team and fifth among all NBA players who played over 200 minutes.

However, after trading Mikal Bridges this summer, the Nets are prioritizing their draft position in the first year of a rebuild. Since Finney-Smith no longer fits their timeline, they traded him to the Lakers for the expiring D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks.

Finney-Smith posted more modest numbers as he adjusted to his new role with the Lakers. Over six appearances, he averaged 6.8 points and 3.2 rebounds while playing 23.7 minutes per game off the bench. The 31-year-old continued his hot shooting streak, converting 9-of-22 three-point attempts (40.9 percent).

Los Angeles has posted a 3-4 record since the trade. While Finney-Smith’s stubborn defense played a significant role in his acquisition, JJ Redick’s squad continued to go in the wrong direction after the deal.

The Lakers ranked 21st in scoring defense through their first 31 games. They are 29th in the bottom seven after buying Finney-Smith and Milton.

The Lakers enter Friday’s game as favorites with 11 points behind The Nets’ historic 126-67 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. Brooklyn has lost seven of its last eight games. However, the rebuilding team will welcome D’Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons back to the lineup against Los Angeles.

Cam Johnson is questionable for the game with a sprained right ankle.