The Los Angeles Lakers have promoted guard Nick Smith Jr. from a two-way contract to a new two-year standard NBA deal, completing the club’s 15-man roster ahead of the 2026 playoffs.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement on April 12, citing agent Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports.
Why the move matters
Two-way players are not eligible for postseason play, so converting Smith’s contract was necessary once the Lakers decided he would occupy the vacancy created when Kobe Bufkin was waived before the end of the regular season. Los Angeles chose the 20-year-old guard over fellow two-way player Drew Timme, leaving Timme ineligible for playoff action.
Immediate backcourt help
The signing adds depth with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss at least the start of the first round. Smith has appeared in 28 games this season, averaging 6.0 points and 1.1 assists while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range in 12.3 minutes per contest.
Coach Redick seeking focus
Head coach JJ Redick recently emphasized the need to identify nine fully committed players for the postseason. After an early timeout in a loss he said, “We’ve got to find nine guys that are all in on us fighting… whatever you’ve got to do to go out and fight and be all in on the team, we’ll find the nine guys.”
Smith’s conversion finalizes the Lakers’ roster as they prepare for their opening playoff series.
Source: LakersNation.com
