TITLE: Lakers Elevate Nick Smith Jr. to Standard Deal, Pass on Drew Timme for Playoff Roster
SLUG: lakers-elevate-nick-smith-jr-pass-on-drew-timme-for-playoffs
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers have converted guard Nick Smith Jr. from a two-way player to a standard two-year NBA contract, filling their final roster spot ahead of the 2026 postseason. To make room, the club waived guard Kobe Bufkin just days before the regular-season finale.
Head coach JJ Redick said the move was driven by an urgent need for additional ball-handling with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss at least the opening round of the playoffs.
Redick: “We need Nick, we need his shooting”
“Obviously a difficult decision. Drew (Timme) has been awesome for us,” Redick told reporters. “Frankly, we’re missing two of our primary ball-handlers. We need Nick, we need his shooting as well. A lot of discussion, a lot of debate over the last few days about that.”
Forward/center Drew Timme was the other candidate for the vacancy after showing late-season promise. However, Los Angeles opted for backcourt insurance as it prepares to open the first round against the bigger, physical Houston Rockets.
Playoff eligibility prompted contract upgrade
Because two-way players are not eligible for the playoff roster, the Lakers were required to promote Smith if they wanted him available in the postseason. The 21-year-old rookie flashed on-ball creation throughout the year despite limited minutes behind Doncic, Reaves, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard.
Smith called the new deal “a great opportunity” and said he is eager to experience the playoffs for the first time rather than “just watching it.”
The Lakers begin their best-of-seven series against Houston later this week at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
