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After the Los Angeles Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin, they opened up an additional roster spot ahead of their playoff push. While several names have been mentioned as possible replacements, the vacancy is expected to be filled by a player on a two-way contract. According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, the decision is likely coming down to forward Drew Timme and guard Nick Smith Jr., both of whom would need to be signed to a standard NBA contract in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
Khobi Price: Nick Smith Jr. will have a team option and non-guaranteed salary for 2026-27, a source told @capostsports.
Shams Charania: The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. on a new two-year contract, Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports tells ESPN. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers add guard depth for the playoffs. Smith has averaged 6 points and 40% from 3 this season.
Dave McMenamin: “Him and my dad are the same age, and my dad played [in college and] hasn't played in like 10 years. So the stuff he does is incredible. Yeah, he's not normal. He's not normal." - Nick Smith Jr. when asked about LeBron James turning 41 tomorrow
“Him and my dad are the same age, and my dad played [in college and] hasn't played in like 10 years. So the stuff he does is incredible. Yeah, he's not normal. He's not normal." - Nick Smith Jr. when asked about LeBron James turning 41 tomorrow pic.twitter.com/MMXlhN8chd
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 29, 2025
Dave McMenamin: “Our roster, frankly has a lot of guys that do a lot of one thing really well and the balance of finding that offense-defense balance has got to be there for a guy like Nick to play meaningful minutes. That’s just the reality. He knows that” - JJ Redick on Nick Smith Jr.’s role
“Our roster, frankly has a lot of guys that do a lot of one thing really well and the balance of finding that offense-defense balance has got to be there for a guy like Nick to play meaningful minutes. That’s just the reality. He knows that” - JJ Redick on Nick Smith Jr.’s role pic.twitter.com/GKXJZ6cugs
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 29, 2025
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Dave McMenamin: The Lakers lose, 126-105, in Boston and fall to 16-6. Their road trip ends in Philly on Sunday. AR 36p 8a; Vincent 18p; Hachimura 13p 7r; Nick Smith Jr. 13p.
With the Lakers down by 20 in the third quarter at Atlanta, the only sound coming from their bench was Nick Smith Jr.’s hollow claps of encouragement. The rest of the Lakers sat silently or loitered in a semicircle waiting for their coaches to join. There wasn’t much that could be said.
Playing without their three leading scorers from last season's final roster, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115 on Monday night behind a combined 57 points from starters Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected 25-point performance from reserve guard Nick Smith Jr. "I told the guys before the game, 'We have enough in this locker room to win this game,'" said Lakers coach JJ Redick. "My belief level in this group that's here in Portland right now and in uniform right now is as high as it's been."
Michael Scotto: Just In: The Charlotte Hornets are waiving Nick Smith Jr, league sources told @hoopshype. He averaged 9.9 points and 2.4 assists in 22.8 minutes, while starting 27 of 60 games played for Charlotte last season. He’s shot 37% from 3-point range so far during his NBA career.
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According to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype, Nick Smith Jr. is a player they believe could be attainable on the trade market from Charlotte’s backcourt. Similar to Jock Landale who was recently waived by the Houston Rockets, the working assumption is Josh Okogie had his guarantee date pushed back to July 15th because the Hornets will look to include his salary in a potential trade and could waive him if nothing materializes. In addition, DaQuan Jeffries also has a non-guaranteed contract for the upcoming season, making him a candidate to be waived.
Charlotte Hornets PR: INJURY UPDATE: Nick Smith (L Ankle) is now listed as questionable. Miles Bridges & Taj Gibson have been added to injury report and are both questionable (Illness).
Rod Boone: Final: #Hornets 115, #Knicks 98 LaMelo 25 pts, 8 asts, 5 rebs Mark Williams 19 pts, 14 rebs Miles Bridges 15 pts, 10 rebs, 4 asts Nick Smith Jr. 13 pts, 4 rebs, 3 asts
