The Los Angeles Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a standard contract on the final day of the regular season to make him playoff eligible. The 21-year-old was on a two-way deal and wouldn’t have been allowed to play after Sunday’s game. LA parted ways with Kobe Bufkin to open the roster spot to sign Smith Jr.
The Lakers picked up the former first-round pick after the Hornets waived him in September. Smith Jr. struggled in his first two NBA seasons. Los Angeles fans were immediately excited, and he showed flashes this season. Smith Jr. averaged 6.0 points and 1.0 assist in 12.3 minutes per game over 29 contests.
The Lakers desperately need ball-handling and shot creation with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out. Luke Kennard has stepped up with the two stars sidelined. Marcus Smart and LeBron James give LA more playmaking, but head coach JJ Redick is still searching for the team’s third guard in his playoff rotation. The Lakers had to sign Smith Jr. to make him an option.
Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. on the final day of the regular season
Smith Jr. shot 40.0 percent from 3-point range this season and has appeared in four straight games. He scored 23 points in 23 combined minutes against the Thunder and Warriors. The Lakers may need his shooting and scoring punch without their two stars.
Shams Charania reported this is a two-year contract, but it likely includes a team option for next season. The Lakers have prioritized cap space all season. They want to rebuild their roster around Luka Doncic, so Smith Jr. will have to earn his place next year.
Rob Pelinka’s fascination with undersized guards has not paid dividends. Gabe Vincent, Kobe Bufkin, D’Angelo Russell, Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, Dennis Schroder, and Avery Bradley have all been problematic signings for LA. They can’t expect Smith Jr. to suddenly be a difference-maker, but he gives coach Redick another option off the bench that can get buckets.
It will be a battle between Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. for playoff minutes. They are the only two healthy reserve guards left on their roster. Smith Jr. has outplayed Bronny in the NBA and G League this season. The 2023 first-round draft pick is a bit ahead of LeBron’s son in terms of development, but Bronny is a larger part of LA’s future. It will be interesting to see who coach Redick trusts in the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin to sign Nick Smith Jr. to a standard contract. Smith Jr. is now playoff eligible as the Lakers finalized their roster for the postseason.
Winning will be difficult without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. They will need everyone to step up, including Smith Jr. and Bronny. That is a terrifying reality, but the youngsters must seize their opportunity. Stay tuned to see how it all plays out.