Nick Smith Jr played a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Kings, scoring 21 points off the bench and giving the team a spark with injuries in the backcourt. After the game, Smith spoke about the challenges of being on a two-way contract and the need to stay ready every night.
Los Angeles Lakers snapped their three-game losing streak with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings, but the focus after the game shifted to Nick Smith Jr. and his words about staying ready in an uncertain role.
With injuries in the backcourt, head coach JJ Redick gave Smith an opportunity, and the young guard responded with one of his best performances of the season.
Smith came off the bench and scored 21 points, hitting his first seven shots and providing a major boost to the second unit. After the game, he explained how life on a two-way contract shapes his approach every day.
“This is up and down because obviously I’m on a two-way. So one day I might play, then the next two games I might not play. So just take it one day at a time,” Smith said per ClutchPoints. “I try to make sure every day is my game day. I try to make sure I prepare my body when my name is called. And tonight was one of those nights.”
Smith said his main focus is preparation, knowing his role can change from game to game. Even when he is not in the rotation, he treats every day like he could be needed at any moment.
“I’m just in a space where I’m just locked in right now. Just trying to do what I can to help this team win. I just try to prepare every day like it’s a game day, and it showed tonight,” Smith explained. “The coaching staff has put a lot of trust in me to go out there and do what I do. I haven’t had that in a long time, so it’s definitely been very helpful.”
On the floor, Smith backed up his words with production. He finished as the Lakers' third leading scorer behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James, shooting efficiently from the field and from three.
He also handled the ball for stretches, giving the Lakers another option at point guard while Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent remain out.
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