Why Lakers are signing Nick Smith Jr. before playoffs

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From a health perspective, the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t where they want to be heading into the postseason.

Although injured guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could return at some point during the postseason, they are currently out of the Lakers’ lineup, and it’s unclear when Los Angeles can expect them back.

Losing 56.8 points per game for an undisclosed period isn’t ideal for the Lakers, compelling the 17-time NBA champions to sign Nick Smith Jr. to a multi-year contract to bolster their depleted backcourt.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday. “With star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers are adding backcourt depth for the playoffs.”

“In 29 games this season, Smith has averaged 6 points and one assist while shooting 40% from three in 12.3 minutes.”

Signing Smith was the wisest thing the Lakers could do on the final day of the regular season. For the former Charlotte Hornets guard to be eligible for the playoffs, Los Angeles had to strike a new deal with him before the start of the postseason.

Fortunately, the Lakers did just that, giving them a serviceable bench contributor who’s had his moments this season when Los Angeles was dealing with significant injury issues earlier in the season.

Needless to say, the Lakers did what had to be done to set themselves up for success during the next and most important stage of the 2025-26 season.

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