The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Apr. 12 that they have signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to a two-year NBA contract.
The signing gives the Lakers another ball-handler as the team deals with injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. According to Khobi Price of the California Post, Smith’s deal is a minimum contract with a team option and non-guaranteed salary for the 2026-27 season.
Smith, who is 21 years old, has averaged 6.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, and one assist per game this season while shooting 43.3% from the field and 40% from three-point range in limited minutes over 29 games for Los Angeles. He previously played for the Charlotte Hornets after being drafted in the first round out of Arkansas in 2023.
To make room on their roster, the Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin earlier in the season before signing Smith to a standard deal, which makes him eligible for postseason play—something not permitted under his previous two-way contract status.
Head coach JJ Redick said he wants Smith to remain aggressive when given opportunities on court: “He likely won’t be in the postseason rotation, but if Redick turns to Smith at some point, he doesn’t want him to be passive offensively.” With Doncic and Reaves expected out for at least the first round of playoffs, Redick will look for contributions across his roster as Los Angeles prepares for its postseason run.
