The Los Angeles Lakers’ final two-way roster slot went to guard Nick Smith Jr. shortly before training camp opened, and the former first-round pick says the move made an instant impression.
“It’s been crazy,” the 20-year-old admitted after the club’s first practice in El Segundo. “I stepped into the facility on Media Day and there were hundreds of people here, and there was probably like 20 people at Media Day in Charlotte. It’s definitely a blessing to be here and learn from the best.”
Fresh start following Charlotte exit
Smith was waived by the Charlotte Hornets this offseason after two years with the franchise. In 111 appearances — 28 of them starts — he averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists while hitting 36.9% from three-point range.
“Sometimes things are just not gonna work out where you’re at, and I understand that,” he said of his departure. “Of course I’m trying to catch up because guys have been here since the summertime. So I’m gonna ask as many questions as I can to get it rolling, but as far as my game, I always stay ready.”
Early ties to Los Angeles
The Arkansas product already had a connection to the Lakers, having completed a pre-draft workout with the club in 2023. “I was just trying to get my foot in the door when I came here to do a pre-draft workout,” Smith recalled. “I think I did pretty well, and just for me to end up here now is kind of crazy.”
Focus areas for development
Smith outlined several priorities as he attempts to carve out minutes under head coach Darvin Ham:
- Keep the game “easy” and avoid overcomplicating possessions.
- Leverage his shooting to “help the team put the ball in the basket.”
- Improve on the defensive end.
The Lakers held Media Day on Sept. 29, 2025, at the UCLA Health Training Center, where Smith posed for portraits in the team’s purple and gold. Training camp continues this week as Los Angeles prepares for preseason action.
Source: Lakers Nation
