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

Joining second unit Friday Smith won't start in Friday's game against Cleveland.

Impact The combo guard will slide to the bench in favor of Josh Green on Friday. Smith had started in each of his last 23 appearances, during which he averaged 12.3 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds across 30.9 minutes per contest.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Friday Smith (quadricep) is available for Friday's game against Cleveland.

Impact Smith will shake off his probable tag due to a right quad contusion and suit up Friday. The combo guard has appeared in 11 consecutive outings (all starts) for the Hornets, during which he has averaged 10.9 points, 3.0 assists and 1.9 rebounds across 31.8 minutes per contest.

MARCH 7 • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Friday Smith (quad) has been listed as probable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact Smith has started the last 11 games for the Hornets and is trending toward getting another start Friday against Cleveland. The 20-year-old guard is averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 38.7 percent from the floor and 29 percent from beyond the arc in 23 games as a starter for Charlotte.

MARCH 6 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets face the Timberwolves on 7-game slide

Charlotte will try to end its seven-game skid when the Charlotte Hornets play Minnesota

MARCH 5 • Associated Press

Hornets take on the Wizards on 5-game skid

Charlotte looks to end its five-game slide when the Charlotte Hornets take on Washington

FEBRUARY 28 • Associated Press

Hands out season-high seven assists Smith totaled 12 points (5-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt), three rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes during Thursday's 103-96 loss to the Mavericks.

Impact Smith led the team with seven assists, his highest total in this area this season. The 2023 first-rounder shouldn't struggle for playmaking opportunities as a full-time starter with the injury-plagued Hornets down the stretch, but his lack of efficiency has left a lot to be desired. Smith is shooting just 33.7 percent from the floor and 24.5 percent from three-point land across his last eight contests, averaging 11.4 points, 3.1 assists, 1.6 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in 30.6 minutes during this period.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

What's the next level for Nick Smith Jr. look like? Clues abound with shift in roles The second-year guard recorded his 18th consecutive start in Charlotte’s 130-88 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Monday ni...

FEBRUARY 25 • CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM

Supplies 16 points in loss Smith supplied 16 points (7-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt), one rebound and three assists over 33 minutes during Thursday's 129-115 loss to Denver.

Impact The second-year guard continues to be productive as part of the Hornets' starting five. Aside from a Feb. 12 contest against the Magic in which he played just 16 minutes before being ejected, Smith has scored in double digits in seven straight appearances, averaging 18.0 points, 3.1 threes, 2.9 assists and 2.4 boards in those seven starts.

FEBRUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Ejected Wednesday Smith was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Magic, Dan Savage of the Magic's official site reports.

Impact Smith appeared to be jawing at Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was also tossed Wednesday, which led to his ejection. Smith will get an early start to his All-Star break, as his next chance to play comes Feb. 19 against the Lakers. The 2023 first-rounder's night ends with two points (1-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt), three assists and one rebound in 16 minutes.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to play Monday Smith (back) is available for Monday's game against the Nets.

Impact Smith couldn't suit up in Sunday's game against the Pistons, but he'll be able to return from a back injury Monday. Across his last four outings, the 2023 first-rounder has been heating up with averages of 21.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.8 threes in 34.6 minutes while shooting 53.6 percent from deep.

FEBRUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Monday Smith (back) is questionable for Monday's game against the Nets.

Impact Smith missed Sunday's loss in Detroit due to a back issue but has a chance to return for the second half of Charlotte's back-to-back set. If he can't suit up, Seth Curry and KJ Simpson would be candidates for increased roles again.

FEBRUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Out Sunday Smith (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pistons.

Impact Smith will join LaMelo Ball (ankle) on the sideline for the first half of Charlotte's back-to-back set. KJ Simpson, Seth Curry, Elfrid Payton and Isaiah Wong are all candidates for increased roles Sunday. Smith can be considered questionable for Monday's game in Brooklyn.

FEBRUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable against Detroit Smith (back) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pistons.

Impact Smith has started the Hornets' last 12 games but is in danger of missing Sunday's game in Detroit. If Dalton Knecht is cleared to play against the Pistons, he could start in Smith's place if he's ruled out due to the back issue.

FEBRUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable against Detroit Smith (back) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pistons.

FEBRUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Strong offensive outing Smith racked up 19 points (8-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds and five assists over 34 minutes during Friday's 117-116 victory over San Antonio.

Impact Smith scored at least 19 points for the fourth straight game despite the return of LaMelo Ball from an ankle injury. Smith has been somewhat of a revelation for the Hornets, having now started 12 straight games. During that time he has averaged 13.7 points, 2.8 assists and 2.3 three-pointers in 30.0 minutes per game. The arrival of Dalton Knecht could complicate things, although given the Hornets have both eyes on the future, Smith remaining in the starting lineup would make sense.

FEBRUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Another strong outing Wednesday Smith finished Wednesday's 112-102 loss to the Bucks with 22 points (9-15 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 0-1 FT), two assists and two rebounds over 32 minutes.

Impact Two days after scoring a season-high 24 points in Monday's loss to the Wizards, Smith answered with a 22-point outing in Wednesday's defeat and was the game's third-leading scorer behind Damian Lillard (29) and Bobby Portis (23). Smith has been in the Hornets' starting lineup since Jan. 17, and he's taken on a larger role on offense due to the absence of LaMelo Ball (ankle). Over his last three outings, Smith has averaged 22.0 points on 58.1 percent shooting (including 56.5 percent from three on 7.7 3PA/G), 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.7 steals over 34.8 minutes per contest. Smith and the Hornets will look to break out of their six-game slump against Victor Wembanyama and the new-look Spurs on Friday.

FEBRUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Season-high 24 points vs. Wiz Smith finished Monday's 124-114 loss to Washington with 24 points (9-16 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one steal over 39 minutes.

Impact Smith connected on four threes for the fourth time this season Monday and co-led the Hornets in scoring with Miles Bridges. Smith went back and forth between the Hornets and the G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm over the first two months of the season, but he strung together some solid performances at the beginning of the new year which earned him a spot in the Hornets' starting lineup Jan. 17. Since then, Smith has averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 29.3 minutes per game.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in loss Smith had two points (1-10 FG, 0-7 3Pt), five rebounds and two assists across 27 minutes during Wednesday's 104-83 loss to the Nets.

Impact Smith failed to score double-digit points for the third straight outing Wednesday. Since being inserted into the starting lineup on Jan. 17, Smith has struggled mightily with his outside shot, converting just 26.1 percent of his 6.6 three-point attempts per contest. On the season, the 20-year-old guard is shooting 36.4 percent from the field.

JANUARY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Inefficient 17 points in loss Smith closed Friday's 102-97 loss to the Trail Blazers with 17 points (6-18 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, six assists and two blocks in 34 minutes.

Impact With the majority of Charlotte's starters in street clothes, the Hornets' offense ran through Smith on Friday. The 20-year-old second-year guard led the team with 17 points and six assists, but he struggled for efficiency shooting the ball with a lack of offensive firepower surrounding him. Smith has been forced into a featured role over his past four games, where he's averaged 15.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.8 threes in 30.3 minutes, and he should continue to handle extra usage with Brandon Miller (wrist) done for the season.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

Hornets vs Trail Blazers: Nick Smith Jr. Postgame Media Availability

JANUARY 25 • YOUTUBE

Notches 19 points in win Smith chipped in 19 points (7-13 FG, 5-8 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one steal across 30 minutes during Monday's 110-105 win over Dallas.

Impact Brandon Miller is out indefinitely with a wrist injury, and Smith looks poised to make a big impact for Charlotte in the short term. In his previous start against the Bulls on Friday, Smith produced 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-7 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist and one steal in 26 minutes. He'll be a popular waiver-wire pickup for good reason.

JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Posts 15 points as fill-in Smith supplied 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-7 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist and one steal in 26 minutes during Friday's 125-123 win over the Bulls.

Impact Smith's playing time is projected to increase following Brandon Miller's (wrist) injury diagnosis. With Miller out indefinitely, the 2023 first-round pick drew the start and flashed the sharpshooting skills that made him a hot commodity coming out of Arkansas. Although the Hornets are floundering in the Eastern Conference, players like LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams are playing well, which will give Smith some fantasy worthiness if he can hold on to the job.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

First career start Friday Smith will start Friday's game against the Bulls.

Impact It'll be the first career start for the former first-rounder Friday, and he'll have a chance to offer a boost in fantasy value. Over his past four games, Jones is averaging 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 threes in 18.6 minutes.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Nick Smith Jr.'s emergence has highlighted Vasilije Micic's recent struggles Nick Smith Jr. has been balling out for the Charlotte Hornets as of late.

JANUARY 8 • SI.COM

Best outing of season off bench Smith totaled 18 points (7-12 FG, 4-6 3Pt), five rebounds, two assists and one block across 19 minutes during Sunday's 115-105 loss to Cleveland.

Impact Smith shined off the Hornets bench in Sunday's contest, leading all second unit players in scoring, threes made and blocks in a season-best showcase. Smith set a new season-high point total, reaching double figures in scoring for the first time this year. He has connected on two or more threes in three appearances off the bench.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

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Hornets face the Timberwolves on 7-game slide

Hornets take on the Wizards on 5-game skid