The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed 21-year-old guard Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way contract, waiving Kylor Kelley to open the slot.
The move might not be as groundbreaking as Luka Doncic’s blockbuster trade, but it is the kind of under-the-radar pickup that can quietly swing a few games in a long season.
Smith Jr. was the 27th pick in the 2023 draft by Charlotte and flashed genuine shot-making talent as a rookie. Last season with the Hornets he averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 22.8 minutes, shooting 39 percent from the field and 34 percent from deep. His best night came late in the year against Toronto: 28 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds.
Before that draft, ESPN projected the Lakers to grab him at No. 17, a sign he has been on their radar for a while.
Potential Value
Three-Level Scorer: Smith can snake into the lane with a floater, pull up in the mid-range, and hit the catch-and-shoot three at a respectable 34-plus percent
Secondary Playmaker: Not a pure point guard but good enough to keep the ball moving and find open teammates.
Upside Swing: Twenty-one years old on a two-way contract means there is room to develop without stretching the salary cap.
For a Lakers bench that went cold far too often last season, an instant-offense guard is welcome. And considering the Lakers do not own many draft picks in the next few years, taking low-risk swings on former high selections like Smith Jr. is one of the few ways they can add young, controllable talent. If he pans out, they essentially steal an asset without spending a first-round pick.
Key Areas to Watch
Shot selection: Maintaining efficiency against NBA-level defenses will be critical.
Defensive commitment: Earning trust on the perimeter could determine how quickly he finds a regular role.
G League performance: The Lakers will expect him to dominate at that level before expanding his minutes in the NBA rotation
This move reflects a deliberate attempt to uncover upside at minimal cost. The Lakers are not asking Smith to carry the offense; they are giving a young scorer the chance to prove he belongs in a defined role.
If he can be a reliable scorer off the bench on respectable efficiency while competing defensively, he addresses a clear need for second-unit scoring punch. In a competitive Western Conference where a few extra wins can shift playoff positioning, that contribution could prove significant.
