PORTLAND, Ore. — With the Los Angeles Lakers missing Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves on Monday, rookie guard Nick Smith Jr. seized an unexpected opportunity at Moda Center.
The two-way player came off the bench and poured in 25 points, handed out six assists and hit 5-of-6 three-pointers in 27 minutes as Los Angeles defeated the Portland Trail Blazers. He shot 10-for-15 overall while sharing the backcourt with Bronny James Jr. and veteran Marcus Smart, the only other healthy guards on the roster.
Smart impressed by rookie’s poise
After the game, Smart said Smith’s performance reflected the work he puts in daily and added that the team “needed every bit of it.” The first-year Laker praised the 20-year-old’s rare offensive talent and said the locker room was “happy to give him his flowers.”
Second chance in Los Angeles
Smith signed his two-way contract over the summer after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets, who selected him in the first round two years ago. Monday’s showing echoed previous Lakers success stories such as Lonnie Walker IV and Malik Monk, both of whom used short stints in Los Angeles to boost their NBA profiles.
Playing through illness
The rookie revealed postgame that he had been feeling sick but chose to suit up to repay the coaching staff’s confidence. His role is expected to shrink once the roster is healthy, yet performances like Monday’s could keep him in head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation as the season progresses.
Source: Lakers Nation
