The Los Angeles Lakers have opted not to exercise their team option on guard Nick Smith Jr. for the 2026-27 season, the club confirmed Monday.
The decision, made ahead of the league’s June 30 deadline for option calls, will allow the 22-year-old to enter free agency when the NBA signing period opens on July 1.
Smith Jr. joined Los Angeles last season and appeared in a limited back-court role. By declining the option, the Lakers remove his salary from next year’s books and give the former first-round pick the chance to negotiate with any team.
Los Angeles still faces additional roster decisions as it prepares for summer transactions, but no further option moves were announced Monday.
Source: New York Post
