Lakers Sign Nick Smith Jr For Playoff Boost

The Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a two-year deal, upgrading him from a two-way so he can fill the playoff roster spot vacated when Kobe Bufkin was waived. With Austin Reaves out and Los Angeles short on guard depth, Smith’s conversion lets the team keep a live shooter and instant scoring spark available for postseason minutes. Merlin notes Smith has shown the flashes teams chase: 6.0 points, 1.0 assist and a 40 percent mark from three across 29 games, including 11 points in 12 minutes and 12 in 11 minutes in recent outings. He is not a series changer, but the Lakers committed multiple years because bench shooting and quick scoring can tilt tight playoff games. Expect short, high-leverage bursts off the bench.