Nick Smith Jr. Promoted by the Lakers to add depth for Lakers in Doncic and Reaves Absences
Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. (20) moves the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Koby Brea (14) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers officially announced Sunday the signing of Nick Smith Jr. to a two-year contract, converting his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal. The promotion comes at just the right time for the Lakers, who are looking to strengthen their backcourt ahead of the playoffs.
An In-House Solution Amid Star Injuries
With Luka Doncic (grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (grade 2 left oblique strain) both injured, the Lakers chose an in-house solution rather than pursuing free agents like Lonzo Ball or Chris Paul. The 23-year-old guard, who had been on a two-way contract since September, earned his spot through his recent performances.
Smith Jr. particularly impressed last week with 11 points in 12 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder, then 12 points in 11 minutes in the victory against the Golden State Warriors. These performances convinced head coach JJ Redick’s staff to trust him for the playoffs.
Nick Smith Jr. vs Warriors:
12 PTS 4/5 FG 120 TS% pic.twitter.com/CUIEscyYXO— Laker Performances (@LALPerformance) April 10, 2026
Encouraging Stats for the Season
In 29 games this season, the former Hornets player is averaging 6 points and 1 assist in 12.3 minutes of play. Even more notably, he shoots 43.3% from the field and 40% from three-point range, demonstrating his offensive potential and ability to provide spacing.
The Lakers created this roster spot by waiving Kobe Bufkin last Friday. Smith Jr., the 27th pick in the 2023 first round, joined Los Angeles on September 29 after being released by Charlotte. His contract includes a team option for 2026-2027, with a non-guaranteed salary for next season.
This promotion allows the Lakers to add depth to their backcourt for the playoffs, where they currently hold 4th place in the Western Conference. While Smith Jr. remains a secondary contributor, his ability to score quickly and his three-point shooting are valuable assets for a team in need of roster depth.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers have converted Nick Smith Jr.’s two-way contract to a two-year NBA contract 💰
Smith Jr., 21, is averaging 6.0 PPG on 40.0 3P% in 12.3 MPG in 29 games for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26.
Smith Jr. is expected to get more minutes in the first… pic.twitter.com/i5lLTHHcq5
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) April 12, 2026
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