It is operating only when it can be pointed towards Earth, while also avoiding the Sun, which did not happen during the flyby.

The laser is on one side of Orion, and when that side is not oriented towards Earth for various reasons, the optical communications cannot be used.

For continuous communications, at least when there is no interposed body, like the Moon, multiple lasers located around Orion would be needed to ensure coverage. When by the far side of the Moon, a relay orbiting around the Moon would be needed.