The Los Angeles Lakers have converted guard Nick Smith Jr. from a two-way slot to a standard NBA contract, the team announced Sunday.
According to the California Post’s Khobi Price, the deal is a two-year minimum agreement that carries a team option and a non-guaranteed salary for the 2026-27 season.
Depth move for an injury-hit backcourt
Two-way players are ineligible for postseason action, prompting the Lakers to add Smith to the 15-man roster while Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves recover from injuries expected to sideline them through the entire first round. Los Angeles cleared a spot by waiving guard Kobe Bufkin, who had signed earlier in the year.
Production in limited minutes
Smith, 21, has appeared in 29 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 6.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 12.3 minutes while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. He recently posted consecutive double-digit outings—12 points versus the Oklahoma City Thunder and 11 against the Golden State Warriors, hitting 4-of-5 threes in 11 minutes at Chase Center.
First-round pick seeking larger role
The 6-foot-2 guard entered the league as the Charlotte Hornets’ 2023 first-round pick out of Arkansas. His best year in Charlotte came in his second season, when he averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Coach Redick’s expectations
Head coach JJ Redick has praised Smith’s aggressiveness and views the guard as backcourt insurance behind LeBron James and Luke Kennard. While Smith is not currently projected for a regular postseason rotation spot, Redick indicated he wants the young guard ready to contribute offensively if called upon.
Smith’s new contract guarantees his postseason eligibility and gives the Lakers an additional ball-handler as they open the playoffs short-handed.
Source: LakersNation.com
