Lakers Convert Nick Smith Jr.’s Two-Way Pact Into Two-Year Standard Contract
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The Los Angeles Lakers are upgrading guard Nick Smith Jr. from a two-way agreement to a two-year standard NBA contract, agent Lucas Newton told Shams Charania of ESPN.
Smith, selected 27th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 draft, joined the Lakers on a two-way deal in late September after being waived by Charlotte. The 21-year-old—he turns 22 next week—has appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 6.0 points and 1.0 assist across 12.3 minutes while shooting 43.3 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from three and 73.3 percent at the foul line.
In the G League, the 6-foot-2 guard logged 18 games with South Bay, producing 19.7 points, 5.0 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per outing on 49.8/37.0/68.3 shooting splits.
Converting Smith’s contract makes him eligible for the upcoming playoffs. Los Angeles already holds home-court advantage in the first round and can finish either third or fourth in the Western Conference, depending on Sunday’s results.
The Lakers opened a roster spot Friday by waiving fellow 2023 first-round pick Kobe Bufkin, allowing Smith to claim the 15th and final slot. Terms of the 2026-27 portion of Smith’s new deal have not been disclosed, but the season is expected to be non-guaranteed and could include a team option.
Source: Hoops Rumors
