Lakers Add Nick Smith Jr. on Two-Way Deal
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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way contract, filling the team’s final two-way slot ahead of training camp.
Smith, 21, joins fellow two-way players Christian Koloko and Chris Manon. To clear space on the 21-man preseason roster, the Lakers waived center Kylor Kelley.
The 6-foot-5 guard was selected 27th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft after one season at the University of Arkansas. Over two seasons in Charlotte, he appeared in 93 games and averaged 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
Smith earned an expanded role last year, playing 60 games and averaging 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists. In 27 starts, those numbers rose to 13.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
The Arkansas native also logged seven games in the G League across two seasons, posting 22.3 points and 4.4 assists while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and 43.3 percent from three-point range.
A highlight of his sophomore campaign came late in the season against the Toronto Raptors, when he scored 28 points, grabbed six rebounds and handed out 10 assists while hitting 6-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc.
Known for his shot-making and ability to handle either guard position, Smith is expected to split time between Los Angeles and the South Bay Lakers as he develops under head coach JJ Redick, who recently signed a contract extension after his first year at the helm.
Source: Lakers Nation
