Lakers Sign Nick Smith Jr. to Two-Year Contract for Playoff Depth The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a two-year contract with two-way guard Nick Smith Jr., according to agent Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports, who confirmed the deal to ESPN on Sunday. The move comes as the team seeks to bolster its backcourt depth ahead of the playoffs, with key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injuries. Smith, who has been a reliable shooting option off the bench, is expected to play a pivotal role in the Lakers’ postseason push. The decision to retain Smith over converting the roster spot to a big man, Drew Timme, was described as a “difficult choice” by head coach Darvin Ham. In a statement, Ham highlighted the team’s need for ball-handling and shooting versatility, noting that the absence of two primary ball-handlers has created a pressing situation. “We need Nick, we need shooting,” Ham said, emphasizing the strategic value of Smith’s ability to space the floor and create opportunities for teammates. The Lakers’ coaching staff has been engaged in extensive discussions over the past several days to determine the optimal use of their limited roster spots. As the regular season approached its final stretch, the Lakers entered Sunday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz with a No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. A win over the Jazz, coupled with a Denver Nuggets loss to the San Antonio Spurs, would elevate their playoff seeding to No. 3. This potential shift underscores the importance of securing a strong playoff position, as the Lakers aim to build on their recent success and compete for a championship. Smith’s contributions this season have been significant despite his limited minutes. In 29 games, the 24-year-old guard has averaged 6.0 points and 1.0 assist per game while shooting 40.#lakers #nick_smith_jr #lucas_newton #klutch_sports #drew_timme
