LOS ANGELES — The Lakers signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract on Saturday, filling their final roster spot for the postseason, a source familiar with the situation but unauthorized to speak publicly told the Southern California News Group.
ESPN first reported the news of Smith’s signing.
Smith, 21, had been on a two-way contract that saw him split time with the G League’s South Bay Lakers – where he helped the team to the top regular-season record in the NBA’s developmental league. In 29 games with the NBA club, Smith, a former 2023 first-round draft pick of the Charlotte Hornets, has averaged 6.0 points per game on 47.1% shooting from the field.
When asked why the Lakers opted for signing Smith to a regular NBA contract, rather than center Drew Timme, Lakers coach JJ Redick said there was a lot of debate over which player the team would decide to take into the playoffs. Ultimately, it came down to what the team’s biggest need was: ball handling.
“Obviously a difficult decision,” Redick said. “Drew has been awesome for us. Frankly, we’re missing two of our primary ball handlers. We need Nick, we need his shooting as well.”
On April 2, the Lakers lost both Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) for the rest of the regular season in a loss to Oklahoma City (injuries that are almost certain to keep them out for at least the beginning of the playoffs). Without both of their primary ball handlers, the Lakers have shifted swingman Luke Kennard into the role alongside LeBron James.
To make room for Smith’s eventual signing, the Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday. Smith’s new contract needed to be converted outside of a two-way deal before Sunday, the end of the regular season, so he could become postseason eligible.
Smith has played increased minutes in the Lakers’ last three games, playing at least 11 minutes in each game. On Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Smith shot 4 for 5 from 3-point range for 12 points – all of which came in the second half.
The Lakers learned their postseason opponent later Sunday night, with Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round series against the Houston Rockets scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena.
