Just before the end of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin and signed Nick Smith Jr. to a standard, two-year NBA deal.
Smith was playing on a two-way contract and in order to be eligible for the playoff roster, the Lakers needed to upgrade his deal. Los Angeles is projected to start the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so there was a clear backcourt need that Smith can fill.
The other option for the open roster spot was Drew Timme, who has showed flashes down the stretch, but head coach JJ Redick explained he and the organization felt like Smith was the better fit for what the team currently needs.
“Obviously a difficult decision. Drew (Timme) has been awesome for us. Frankly, we’re missing two of our primary ball-handlers,” Redick said. “We need Nick, we need his shooting as well. A lot of discussion, a lot of debate over the last few days about that.”
There’s a credible debate to be had about Timme over Smith given the Lakers are set to play the Houston Rockets, a physical and bigger team that has given the purple and gold trouble in the past. However, as Redick mentioned, the team needs more emergency ball-handlers in case of emergency and Smith can definitely add depth to the end of the bench.
On a team featuring guards like Doncic, Reaves, Smart and Luke Kennard, it can be difficult for a younger player like Smith to get minutes and build a rhythm. However, he did have moments where he looked like a legitimate on-ball threat that could get to his spots and create shots so it’s easy to understand the decision to keep him around.
Overall, though, Smith won’t tip the scales in Los Angeles’ favor as they face a massive uphill battle trying to outlast Houston in a playoff series. The Rockets have the size, length and defense to suffocate the Lakers offense while also presenting their own challenges on the offensive end.
Smith likely won’t see many minutes in the playoffs, but he’ll need to be ready if his name is ever called upon.
Nick Smith Jr. reacts to new contract with Lakers
Smith had an up-and-down year with Los Angeles, but finally was rewarded with a standard deal for the playoffs. After officially signing his deal, Smith said he was looking forward to the opportunity of finally being in the postseason rather than just watching it.
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