On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played the final game of their 2026 regular season when they hosted the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers won by a score of 131-107.
Deandre Ayton led the way with 22 points and ten rebounds while shooting 10/14 from the field in 26 minutes of playing time.
Lakers Announce Roster Decision
Before Sunday’s game, the Lakers announced that they had made a roster move.
Via Lakers.com: “The Los Angeles Lakers have signed two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. to a standard NBA contract.”
Smith Jr. has appeared in 30 games for the Lakers this season.
He is averaging 6.2 points and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 43.5% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
NBA World Reacts To Smith Jr. News
Here’s what people were saying on social media:
Dan Woike: “Lakers are signs Nick Smith Jr. to a regular roster contract, per team source. With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out, team opts for ball-handling and scoring.”
@LakersLead: “BREAKING: The Lakers and Nick Smith Jr. agree on a new two-year contract. CONGRATS NICK”
@GoldenKnightGFX: “This is the route I was hoping they would take. He’s already familiar with the team & we’ve seen he can score & get on a heater at times. Missing both Austin & Luka we need all the guard scoring we can get”
@LakeShowYo: “Lakers sign Nick Smith Jr for the playoffs Good move or bad move? 👀”
@PlayoffLAL: “Lakers signed Nick smith jr. Probably just the best option we have”
Los Angeles Lakers: “OFFICIAL: Nick Smith Jr. joins the squad”
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.”
Trevor Lane: “Makes sense to bring in another ball handler that can go on heaters. Without Luka and Reaves, the Lakers needed another player who can bring the ball up the floor”
@GuruLakers: “This was the only signing that made sense. Familiar with the system. Microwave scorer. We got nothing to lose maybe he can get hot”
Smith Jr.’s Career
Smith Jr. was the 27th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Arkansas.
He played the first two years of his career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Over 140 total games, the 21-year-old has career averages of 7.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest while shooting 39.7% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range.
As for the Lakers, they are the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
They will play the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
NBA World Reacts To Los Angeles Lakers Announcing Roster Decision Before Playoffs