On the eve of training camp, the Los Angeles Lakers quietly made a move that could pay dividends down the line. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers have signed 21-year-old guard Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way contract, giving the team extra backcourt depth and a developmental piece for the future.
Smith Jr., a former Arkansas standout, was recently waived by the Charlotte Hornets after spending his first two NBA seasons there. Despite being cut loose, the young guard showed flashes of potential during his time in Charlotte.
Last season, he appeared in 60 games, starting 27 of them, and averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while playing 22.8 minutes per game. He shot 39.1% from the field and 34.0% from beyond the arc, though his three-point efficiency dipped from an impressive 43.2% as a rookie.
That dip aside, Smith Jr. displayed notable growth from year one to year two. His scoring jumped from 5.9 points per game as a rookie to nearly 10 last season, and he earned more trust from Charlotte’s coaching staff with a larger role. While still raw, he has the makings of a solid rotation guard thanks to his ability to create his own shot, handle the ball in pick-and-roll situations, and space the floor as a capable shooter.
For the Lakers, the signing is low-risk and potentially rewarding. The two-way deal ensures Smith Jr. will spend time with both the main roster and their G League affiliate, giving him opportunities to develop his game in real time. More importantly, it provides head coach JJ Redick with another guard option as he experiments with rotations heading into the 2025–26 season.
This move also comes after the Lakers shuffled the roster earlier in the week. Ahead of camp, they signed forward Anton Watson and guard Nate Williams while parting ways with guard Tevian Jones and forward Eric Dixon. Combined with the addition of Smith Jr., the Lakers have refreshed their depth chart just before camp begins on October 1.
At just 21 years old, Smith Jr. still has plenty of time to refine his game. His quick release, scoring instincts, and willingness to attack the rim give him a foundation to build on. The Lakers are betting that with the right coaching and development structure, he could grow into more than just a stopgap option.
It may not be a headline-grabbing move, but adding Smith Jr. is the kind of depth signing that smart teams make before camp. For the Lakers, it’s another piece in their effort to balance veteran leadership with young, developing talent as they chase another deep playoff run.
