The Lakers have confirmed that guard Nick Smith Jr. will be offered a two-year contract.

According to NBA.com's personnel change records, the Los Angeles Lakers have converted Nick Smith Jr.'s two-way contract to a standard NBA contract. The two sides signed a two-year contract, with a team option for the 2026/27 season.

California Post reporter Koby Price further pointed out that Smith Jr.'s salary for the 2026/27 season is not guaranteed.

For the Lakers, this signing aims to alleviate their immediate need for depth at the guard position. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves both sidelined due to injury, Smith Jr.'s inclusion in the starting lineup is expected to bolster the Lakers' rotation. All indications suggest he will travel with the team to the upcoming playoffs.

The 21-year-old Smith Jr. is a 6'6" (1.88m) and 84kg (4.5kg) guard who was selected 27th overall in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He spent his first two seasons with the Hornets, playing a total of 111 NBA regular season games, averaging 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 18.9 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 39.1% and a three-point percentage of 36.9%.

In September 2025, Smith Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Lakers. So far this season, he has played 29 regular season games for the Lakers, averaging 6.0 points and 1.0 assists in 12.3 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 43.3% and a three-point percentage of 40.0%.

Image source: Internet