Josh Smith/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers

Reserve forward/center Josh Smith played just six minutes Saturday at Houston and did not play Monday in the Clippers’ 100-99 loss to Oklahoma City. His first season with the Clippers has been stormy. Assuming he was in it, coach Doc Rivers was asked Wednesday at practice if Smith is out of the doghouse.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Rivers said. “I don’t call it a doghouse, anyway. We’re trying to win games. And I’m just going to keep playing guys I think are best right now to win games for us.”

Rivers couldn’t say if Smith will play on Christmas when the Clippers (16-13) tangle with the Lakers (5-23) at Staples Center.