As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets, the spotlight continues to center on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Both players were ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, with their availability for the postseason still uncertain, leaving a significant void in the Lakers’ backcourt at a critical time.
In response, the franchise made a notable roster move ahead of the playoffs, releasing guard Kobe Bufkin to create flexibility.
That decision allowed Rob Pelinka and the front office to convert Nick Smith Jr.’s two-way contract into a standard two-year deal, signaling confidence in the young guard’s ability to contribute when it matters most.
Lakers Turn to Nick Smith Jr. as Playoff Eligibility Becomes Key
The timing of the move is particularly significant, as converting Smith’s contract makes him eligible for the postseason.
Players on two-way deals are not permitted to appear in playoff games, making the upgrade essential given the Lakers’ current injury situation.
With Doncic and Reaves sidelined, Los Angeles enters the playoffs short-handed in the backcourt, opening the door for Smith to play a meaningful role.
“Definitely a good opportunity for me to be a part of the playoffs,” Smith said on the contract upgrade, via Lakers Nation. “It’s my first time being part of the playoffs. I came to a couple games when I was going through the [NBA Draft] process and stuff like that and it was a great experience so I’m very excited.”
Smith has appeared in 30 NBA games for the Lakers this season, averaging 6.2 points and 1.0 assists while shooting 43.5% from the field.
His impact has been particularly noticeable from beyond the arc, where he is shooting 39.5%, the fourth-best mark on the team behind Drew Timme, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard.
He has also delivered several standout performances at the NBA level, including a 25-point outing against the Portland Trail Blazers in November, where he knocked down five three-pointers, and a 21-point performance against the Sacramento Kings in December.
G League Success Highlights Smith’s Offensive Upside
Due to restrictions tied to his previous two-way contract, Smith has spent significant time with the South Bay Lakers, where he was able to expand his role and build consistency.
Across 18 G League appearances, he averaged 19.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while shooting an efficient 49.8% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range.
Among his standout performances was a 34-point showing against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on March 26, where he connected on six three-pointers.
Smith played a key role on a deep South Bay roster that advanced to the G League Western Conference Finals, further highlighting his ability to contribute in high-stakes situations.
“First person I contacted was my parents, just to get them in the loop of everything,” he added. “We were very excited. It’s been a long year for me and, yeah, I was just very excited and I’m just ready for the opportunity.”
Smith also acknowledged the significance of the moment, noting that it is his first playoff experience and that he is both “excited” and “ready to go.”
He has consistently shown, particularly at the G League level, an ability to heat up quickly and provide instant offense.
With the Lakers entering what could be a tightly contested playoff series against the Rockets, and with key contributors unavailable, that scoring spark could prove crucial as Los Angeles looks to advance.
Lakers G League Star Reacts to ‘Exciting’ Contract Upgrade Before Playoffs