Nick Smith Jr. News, Rumors, Updates - Los Angeles Lakers

Starting Tuesday Smith will start against the Suns on Tuesday, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Impact With Luka Doncic (leg) sidelined and Austin Reaves coming off the bench following a three-game absence due to a calf injury, Smith will get the starting nod for the first time this season. The two-way player is averaging 7.2 points in 14.6 minutes per game across 11 regular-season appearances thus far.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Another solid outing Smith amassed 13 points (5-10 FG, 3-6 3Pt), two rebounds, one block and two steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 126-105 loss to the Celtics.

Impact Smith has now scored in double digits in back-to-back games, providing the Lakers with a much-needed spark off the bench in the absences of Luka Doncic (personal) and LeBron James (sciatica/back). Smith's playing time has been sporadic this season, and his minutes would likely take a hit if Doncic and/or James were cleared to return Sunday against the 76ers.

DECEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Fares well off bench Smith produced 12 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), two rebounds and two steals in 14 minutes during Thursday's 123-120 victory over the Raptors.

Impact Smith caught fire off the bench despite a limited role. He's been mostly out of the rotation mix, but Luka Doncic's personal absence opened up some breathing room in the backcourt. For now, this game can be chalked up as an outlier, and there's no word as to whether Doncic will miss more time.

DECEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Nick Smith Jr. may have just sealed Gabe Vincent's fate with the Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers just need a different archetype of bench guard that's not Gabe Vincent.

NOVEMBER 5 • LAKESHOWLIFE.COM

Lakers' next hidden gem is already hiding in plain sight Nick Smith Jr. reminded the Los Angeles Lakers why he was a first round pick.

NOVEMBER 4 • LAKESHOWLIFE.COM

Nick Smith Jr. emerges as surprise hero in Lakers' win over Trail Blazers | Sporting News Former Charlotte Hornet Nick Smith Jr. scored 25 points off the bench en route to an eight point LA victory.

NOVEMBER 4 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Erupts for 25 points Smith accumulated 25 points (10-15 FG, 5-6 3Pt), six assists, two steals and one rebound across 27 minutes during Monday's 123-115 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Impact Smith capitalized on extended minutes Monday with Luka Doncic (rest) and Austin Reaves (groin) sidelined, erupting for over 20 points while knocking down a game-high five three-pointers. The guard, who signed a two-way deal with the Lakers before training camp in September, appeared in 60 games (27 starts) for the Hornets last season, averaging 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per contest. While this level of usage isn't likely to continue, Monday's showing was an encouraging example of the offensive spark Smith is capable of providing when given the opportunity.

NOVEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Lakers overcome the absence of Doncic and Reaves for a 123-115 win over the Blazers

Deandre Ayton had 29 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots against his former team, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail B...

NOVEMBER 4 • Associated Press

Nick Smith Jr. will bring Lakers something no other player on roster does Nick Smith Jr. has just signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he'll bring an exciting element to this roster no one else will.

SEPTEMBER 29 • LAKESHOWLIFE.COM

Inks two-way deal with LAL Smith (groin) is signing a two-way contract with the Lakers on Monday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith was waived by the Hornets on Thursday but quickly landed with the Lakers ahead of training camp, albeit on a two-way pact. The 21-year-old guard logged meaningful minutes last season, starting 27 of 60 regular-season games and averaging 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds across 22.8 minutes per night.

SEPTEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets 1st-rounder already on a timer after Nick Smith Jr. decision A Charlotte Hornets rookie might have to be wary of his future after watching how Nick Smith Jr.'s career has turned out so far.

SEPTEMBER 26 • SWARMANDSTING.COM

Getting cut by Hornets The Hornets are waiving Smith (groin) on Thursday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Impact This comes as a bit of a surprise, given that Smith played a relatively significant role for Charlotte a year ago. Over his final 46 outings after the calendar flipped to 2025, he averaged 11.9 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game. It shouldn't be long before the 2023 first-rounder latches on with another club this fall. Smith's departure creates a clearer path to playing time for the likes of Tre Mann, Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie for the Hornets.

SEPTEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

NBA execs believe Nick Smith Jr is a trade candidate According to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype, Nick Smith Jr. is a player they believe could be attainable on the trade market from C...

JULY 4 • HOOPSHYPE.COM

2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Ace Bailey Falls to No. 4

J-Mac is back with his NBA Mock Draft 3.0. Find out how far Ace Bailey has fallen in his projections and see if he's still got Flagg going N...

JUNE 20 • FOX SPORTS

2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Ace Bailey Falls to No. 4

Out for regular-season finale Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Smith won't play in the regular-season finale after suffering a groin injury in Friday's loss to Boston. The second-year guard took advantage of all the injuries in Charlotte this season, finishing the campaign with averages of 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes across 60 appearances (27 starts).

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Out for regular-season finale Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Celtics.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy to play Sunday Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Smith suffered a groin injury during the Hornets' loss to the Celtics on Friday, and it puts him in jeopardy of missing Sunday's rematch. Seth Curry and Jaylen Sims would be in line to see increased minutes if Smith is unable to play.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy to play Sunday Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Smith suffered a groin injury during the Hornets' loss to the Celtics on Friday, putting him in jeopardy of missing Sunday's rematch. Seth Curry and Jaylen Sims would be in line to see increased minutes if Smith is unable to play.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Boston takes on Charlotte, looks for 4th straight home win

Boston heads into a matchup with Charlotte as winners of three games in a row at home

APRIL 12 • Associated Press

Doesn't return Friday Smith did not return to Friday's 130-94 loss to the Celtics. He finished with nine points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds and four assists across 17 minutes.

Impact Smith was announced as doubtful to return for the second half of Friday's game due to a groin injury. His inability to return puts him in jeopardy of missing the regular-season finale against Boston on Sunday.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Exits game due to groin injury Smith (groin) is doubtful to return to Friday's game against the Celtics.

Impact Smith played in the first half and logged nine points, four rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes, but he did not come out of the locker room for the start of the second half. Seth Curry started in the second half for Smith.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Charlotte plays Boston on 7-game road slide

Charlotte heads into a matchup against Boston as losers of seven straight road games

APRIL 10 • Associated Press

Impressive double-double Smith chipped in 28 points (8-13 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), six rebounds and 10 assists across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 126-96 loss to Toronto.

Impact Smith re-entered the Hornets' starting lineup due to injuries to Josh Okogie (hamstring) and Josh Green (shoulder). Smith took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a game-high 28 points while tying a season high with six three-pointers. It was the first double-double of his two-year NBA career, and his 10 assists were also a career high. Smith had seen his playing time off the bench diminish recently, but his efforts Wednesday could earn him additional playing time over the Hornets' final two games of the 2024-25 regular season.

APRIL 10 • ROTOWIRE

Mogbo becomes 1st NBA rookie with a triple-double this season, helps Raptors beat Hornets

Jonathan Mogbo had 17 points, a career-high 11 assists and 10 rebounds for the first triple-double by a rookie in the NBA this season, helping the Toronto Raptors beat the short-ha...

APRIL 10 • Associated Press

Starting vs. Toronto Smith is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact The Hornets will be without Josh Okogie (hamstring) and Josh Green (shoulder), so Smith moves to the starting five for this contest. His most recent start came on March 23 against the Heat, when he recorded 19 points in a 122-105 loss.

APRIL 9 • ROTOWIRE

NICK SMITH JR. NEWS

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Lakers overcome the absence of Doncic and Reaves for a 123-115 win over the Blazers

2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Ace Bailey Falls to No. 4

Boston takes on Charlotte, looks for 4th straight home win

Charlotte plays Boston on 7-game road slide

Mogbo becomes 1st NBA rookie with a triple-double this season, helps Raptors beat Hornets