The Los Angeles Lakers will not exercise their 2026-27 team option on guard Nick Smith Jr., a league source told Spotrac’s Keith Smith on June 30. The decision makes the 22-year-old an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Smith joined the Lakers on a standard NBA contract at the end of the regular season after spending most of the year on a two-way deal. In 30 appearances (one start), he averaged 6.2 points and 1.0 assist in 12.5 minutes while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range.
The declined option was for the veteran minimum, but Los Angeles is prioritizing roster flexibility and salary space as it attempts to assemble a championship roster around Luka Doncic.
Background on Smith’s late-season addition
Head coach JJ Redick selected Smith over fellow two-way player Drew Timme for the final playoff roster spot in April, citing a need for additional ball-handling and perimeter shooting with Doncic and Austin Reaves both nursing injuries at the time. Smith saw limited postseason action but drew praise for his potential throughout the season.
Originally a first-round draft pick, Smith now enters free agency with the expectation of fielding interest from teams seeking young backcourt depth.
Source: LakersNation.com
