The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a two-way contract with guard Nick Smith Jr., league sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Smith Jr., 21, was waived by the Charlotte Hornets after averaging 9.9 points and 2.4 assists over 22.8 minutes per game last season.
The young guard started 27 of 60 games for Charlotte in 2024–25, showing improvement from 14.3 minutes per game during his rookie season in 2023–24.
His scoring increased from 5.9 to 9.9 points per contest, and he shot 37 percent from three-point range in his career, though his long-range accuracy dipped from .432 to .340 last season.
Smith Jr. displayed flashes of potential in limited playing time, earning recognition as a promising developmental talent in the league.
The Lakers’ signing allows Smith Jr. to continue his development while providing the team with additional backcourt depth and versatility.
Under a two-way contract, he will split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, gaining experience and opportunities to earn NBA minutes.
