Rob Dillingham practiced with the Timberwolves this week during the team’s down time between games, and he was removed from the injury report ahead of Friday’s bout with the Lakers after missing Minnesota’s previous four games with a sprained ankle.

How much Dillingham plays now that he’s available again remains to be seen.

He’s shown a few flashes in opportunities — particularly offensively — but has yet to cement any significant role in the rotation.

Asked about the rookie on Wednesday, Wolves coach Chris Finch said the guard has achieved a “really good comfort level of playmaking and scoring” and cited his aggressiveness with the ball in his hands.

“I think he’s found a small package within our offense that he really can thrive in,” Finch said. “I think it’s pairing that down for him, and him being comfortable is important because he can focus on those things.”

Those things are what excites a fan base about the top-10 selection.

The worry from Minnesota’s perspective appears to be the defensive end of the ball. The Wolves have re-established their defensive identity in recent games — they’ve won four of their past five — and the success has largely been on that end of the floor.

Finch credited Dillingham’s willingness to “compete” on the defensive end, particularly on the perimeter, but cited potential areas for improvement.

“He’s got to get better as the low man in the back, down at the bottom of the floor,” Finch said. “I know it’s going to be tough for him down there, but he’s got to find a way to impact. Whether it’s come early, get steals, take a charge, be vertical, all those things are on the table for him.”

Finch said that’s where Dillingham’s biggest learning curve is as he continues to adapt to the pro game.

“I think overall speed is an issue, but I think the overall length of the players,” Finch said. “Just they get to you a little bit earlier, they close you down a little bit quicker, you know the reach. All that stuff it takes a while to make the adjustment.”

No LeBron

LeBron James missed Friday’s game, as expected, for personal reasons. Prior to the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick said he didn’t know when James would rejoin the team.

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