Well, that was quick.
Two days after waiving G League standout Kobe Bufkin, the Lakers have converted Nick Smith Jr.’s two-way contract into a two-year guaranteed deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. In 29 games this season, Smith Jr. has averaged 6.0 points and an assist per game while shooting 43% from the field and 40% from three.
From Two-Way to Two Years: Lakers Promote Sharpshooting Guard
Despite limited opportunities, Smith has shown he can light up the scoreboard. He recorded a season-high 25 points against the Portland Trail Blazers in November, doing so on 10-15 shooting from the field and 5-6 from three. That was one of his seven double-digit scoring performances in 2025-26, proving his worth as an efficient scorer who’s a constant long-range threat.
What may have sealed the deal for Lakers executives and coaches was Smith’s fourth-quarter heater against the Golden State Warriors Thursday. He dropped 12 points on 4-5 shooting from three in the period. Though it may have been garbage time as the Lakers routed the Warriors, it was a golden opportunity Smith capitalized on, and it seems to have paid off for him—literally.
Nick Smith Jr. vs Warriors:
12 PTS 4/5 FG 120 TS% pic.twitter.com/CUIEscyYXO— Laker Performances (@LALPerformance) April 10, 2026
How Nick Smith Jr. Can Help the Lakers’ Bench
Smith’s promotion comes at a perfect time with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out for extended periods. His microwave scoring off the bench will be crucial in the postseason, especially if Luke Kennard keeps holding down the fort in the starting five. The team’s second unit has notoriously struggled to find the bottom of the net, ranking second-to-last in points per game post-All-Star break (15.8 PPG)—even after the demotion of Rui Hachimura and the acquisition of Kennard.
If head coach JJ Redick gives Smith Jr. a fair shake, then perhaps the Lakers’ bench can find some light at the end of the tunnel. Given how recent injuries have strained LA’s depth, the purple and gold need all the help they can get to avoid another first-round exit.
The Lakers face the Utah Jazz today at 5:30 p.m. PT.
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