Nick Smith Jr.
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Lakers' Nick Smith. Jr during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in November 2025
For much of the first half of the season, injuries have defined the Los Angeles Lakers, repeatedly disrupting rotations and continuity.
One player, however, has taken advantage of the team’s misfortunes.
Signed to a two-way contract, Nick Smith Jr. was not expected to play a meaningful role in Los Angeles this season. Instead, he has carved out a niche as a reliable bench scorer on a roster heavy with star power.
Smith has appeared in 23 NBA games, averaging 6.1 points in 13.1 minutes per night while shooting an efficient 39.7% from three-point range.
Notably, that minutes load exceeds several players on standard NBA contracts, including Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Bronny James, and Adou Thiero.
Still, two-way restrictions limit how often Smith can be active at the NBA level, forcing him to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Lakers Two-Way Guard Delivers in G League
On Thursday night, while the Lakers fell 112-104 to the Los Angeles Clippers, Smith suited up for South Bay in a matchup against the Mexico City Capitanes.
In just his fourth G League appearance of the season and his first regular-season outing, Smith delivered a standout performance. He finished with 25 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks on 9-of-19 shooting, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc.
South Bay ultimately lost 123-113, but the 21-year-old’s performance stood out. It was another reminder that his scoring and playmaking translate regardless of level.
Across his G League appearances this season, Smith is averaging 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field and 38.2% from three.
The 25-point outing marked his G League season-high, with his previous stints coming in late November and mid-December.
Lakers Weigh Two-Way Limitations and Long-Term Upside
According to Spotrac, the Lakers have already used 28 of Smith’s 50 allowable active NBA games under his two-way contract. That reality forces the organization to be selective with his usage as the season progresses.
For a team sitting last in the NBA in bench scoring, the 6-foot-2 guard’s offensive spark has been useful. His shooting efficiency and secondary playmaking continue to strengthen his case for a more permanent role at the NBA level.
Smith’s 39.7% mark from three currently ranks third on the roster, trailing only fellow two-way signee Drew Timme and Rui Hachimura.
On November 3, he poured in a season-high 25 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 5-of-6 from deep while adding six assists.
In late December, he followed up with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including five three-pointers, in a win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers retain the option to convert Smith’s two-way deal into a standard NBA contract at any point before the final day of the regular season.
His long-term situation remains fluid. Smith’s rookie contract was terminated early after he was waived by the Charlotte Hornets, setting him up to enter the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
Whether his future remains in Los Angeles or elsewhere, his play this season suggests it will almost certainly remain in the NBA.