The Luke Kennard trade has simultaneously addressed the need for three-point shooting and created a void that needs to be filled at point guard. The Los Angeles Lakers have the luxury of loosely defining what a point guard is in their rotation, but Gabe Vincent was a part of the outgoing package to bring Kennard to Southern California.
As such, Nick Smith Jr. has a chance to go from an unsung hero in the Lakers' rotation to the full-time backup to superstar Luka Doncic.
Smith is a 21-year-old point guard who has played 24 games for the Lakers. Currently in his third NBA season, the former first-round draft pick has flashed clear signs of potential as a scorer, which has thus allowed him to remain somewhat consistently in JJ Redick's rotation.
With an efficient outside shot and the ability to put up points in a hurry when he gets hot, Smith offers undeniable value to the Lakers' second unit.
Vincent has been prioritized when healthy, however, which is why Smith has averaged a mere 12.5 minutes per game. By comparison, Vincent was averaging 19.3 minutes per appearance at the time that he was traded.
Though Kennard will likely receive some of the minutes that previously went to Vincent, the void remains at point guard and Smith is the prime candidate to fill it.
Nick Smith Jr. can secure future with Lakers after Gabe Vincent trade
Smith is currently averaging 5.8 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 three-point field goals made in 12.5 minutes per game. Those admittedly uninspiring numbers translate to far more impressive marks of 16.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.2 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
If Smith's current averages hold, it would continue a trend of Smith improving his average points per 36 minutes across each of his three NBA seasons.
Moreover, Smith has maintained a commendable level of efficiency relative to his role and style of play. He's shooting at a clip of .424/.397/.636, with the latter number admittedly low but also an outlier compared to his career mark of .875.
For a Lakers team that ranks No. 22 in three-point field goal percentage, Smith's near 40 percent shooting from beyond the arc is undoubtedly valuable.
Lakers' Nick Smith Jr. has thrived when given the opportunity in 2025-26
It's also worth noting that Smith has stepped up in the few games that he's played significant minutes. In the seven outings during which he received at least 20 minutes, he averaged 12.1 points, 2.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.3 three-point field goals made on .459/.444/.500 shooting.
That includes a 25-point outing during a win over the Portland Trail Blazers and a 21-point showing in a victory against the Sacramento Kings.
With Vincent no longer on the roster, Smith should have every opportunity to secure minutes that are closer to his ideal range. If he thrives when given the opportunity to play more, then there's reason to believe he could be re-signed by the Lakers over the summer.
Bronny James may have something to say about who should replace Vincent, but Smith has thus far proven himself as an ideal fit for the opportunity.