The Los Angeles Lakers should decline their team option on Nick Smith Jr. and let the 6’2 guard find a new opportunity in free agency. This is the easiest call because he doesn't fit next to Luka Doncic and couldn't get on the floor in LA. He was a first-round draft pick by the Hornets in 2023, but was waived after two seasons. Los Angeles took a flier on the 22-year-old guard that simply hasn’t worked. The Lakers want to build a title contender around Luka, so it is time to say goodbye to Smith Jr. for good.
Smith Jr. averaged 6.2 points and 1.0 assists in 12.5 minutes per game over 30 contests this season. He was mostly limited to mop-up duties. Even with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined to start the playoffs, Smith Jr. only got on the floor when the game was decided. He produced a negative-0.3 value over replacement player (VORP), and the Lakers were 9.8 points per 100 possessions better with him on the bench.
The Thunder swept Los Angeles in the second round of the playoffs by using their superior talent and depth. Oklahoma City was comfortable throwing anyone on the floor against the Lakers. Nick Smith Jr. doesn’t fit the bill, and his time in Los Angeles should be over.
Lakers should decline their team option on Nick Smith Jr.
In his 141 career NBA games, Nick Smith Jr. has a negative-2.3 VORP and a negative-0.019 win shares per 48 minutes. His advanced metrics improved this season, but remained below replacement level. The Lakers would be better off with anyone else if these numbers are right.
The Lakers do not have enough talent on their roster. They must retain Austin Reaves and determine LeBron James’ future this offseason. Beyond that, LA's most important goals are finding a center upgrade and 3-and-D wings to flank Luka Doncic. They should also be looking to clear off the pieces that don’t fit to add more depth and defense to round out their roster.
Smith Jr. is strictly a scorer. The Lakers had a 120.3 defensive rating with him on the floor this season. For reference, only the rebuilding Jazz and Wizards were worse over the full year. The 6’2 guard doesn’t make plays or draw enough attention to improve the offense. He gets buckets, but the Lakers don’t need that. They have Luka, Austin, and LeBron to get buckets and make plays.
Smith Jr. offers nothing else besides scoring. When are the Lakers going to need an undersized scoring guard? They would rather have someone like Rui Hachimura or Luke Kennard taking these shots. It is why Dalton Knecht and Smith Jr. rarely see the floor. Their primary skill is one Los Angeles has zero use for.
The Los Angeles Lakers should make Nick Smith Jr. an unrestricted free agent and move on from him this offseason. His team option is near the minimum salary, but LA must maximize their roster space.
Smith Jr. isn’t helping in any playoff moment. The Lakers should be searching for someone who can because that is how they are going to build a title contender around Luka Doncic. The pressure is on Rob Pelinka and the front office to make it happen. All fans can do is stay tuned to see what they can pull off.
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