Nick Smith Jr. described preparation and opportunity as central themes after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 125-101 on Sunday night at crypto.com Arena.
Smith scored 21 points off the bench, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range while stepping into a larger role with Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent sidelined.
“I kind of knew it when I seen AR go out,” Smith said. “Really just staying ready and just focusing on my game when it’s not game time.”
Smith said the coaching staff emphasized preparation rather than altering his approach.
“Coaches making sure I’m ready and stuff like that,” Smith said. “Coach has definitely been helpful trying to get me to ramp up.”
The guard acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with being on a two-way contract. “It’s just up and down because obviously I’m on a two-way,” Smith said. “One day I might play, the next two games I might not play.”
That mindset shaped his daily routine. “I try to make sure every day is my game day,” Smith said. “Tonight is one of those nights.”
Smith opened the game by hitting seven consecutive shots and scored 18 points in roughly 10 minutes, though he downplayed the moment.
“I’m just in a space where I’m locked in right now,” Smith said. “Just trying to do what I can to help this team win.”
He pointed to trust from the coaching staff as a major factor. “Coaching staff got a lot of trust in me to go out there and do what I do,” Smith said. “I haven’t had that in a long time.”
Smith confirmed he received the game ball and explained what that recognition meant. “It means everything,” he said. “Just going home watching film and making sure I’m ready.”
He added a personal note about where the ball might end up. “I’m pretty sure she going to take it as soon as she see it,” Smith said of his mother. “I’m just blessed to be here.”
Smith also explained his ability to score both on and off the ball. “When I was growing up, I was always playing up,” Smith said. “I always had to figure out how to handle the ball.”
That versatility showed on multiple shot types. “If I catch a shoe, if I’m open, I’m going to shoot it,” Smith said. “If they in a drop, I’m going shoot the step up.”
One key sequence involved Luka Doncic finding Smith, who then kicked the ball to Rui Hachimura. “Luka made a hell of a pass,” Smith said. “I didn’t know it was coming to me, but I was ready.”
Confidence, Smith said, is non-negotiable at this level. “In this league you got to have confidence,” Smith said. “I feel like I can hoop with the best of them.”
