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    Lakers sign guard Nick Smith Jr. to 15th roster spot for playoffs
    • April 12, 2026

    LOS ANGELES — The Lakers signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract, filling their final roster spot for the postseason, a source familiar with the situation but unauthorized to speak publicly told the Southern California News Group.

    ESPN first reported the news of Smith’s signing.

    Smith, 21, had been on a two-way contract that saw him split time with the G League’s South Bay Lakers — where he helped the team to the top regular season record in the NBA’s developmental league. In 29 games with the Lakers, Smith, a former 2023 first-round draft pick of the Charlotte Hornets, has averaged 6.0 points per game on 47.1% shooting from the field.

    On April 2, Lakers lost both Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) to regular-season-ending injuries in a defeat to Oklahoma City. Without both of their primary ball handlers, the Lakers have shifted swingman Luke Kennard into the role alongside LeBron James.

    To make room for Smith’s eventual signing, the Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday. Smith’s new contract needed to be converted outside of a two-way deal before Sunday, the end of the regular season, so that he could become postseason eligible.

    Smith has played increased minutes in the Lakers’ last three games, playing at least 11 minutes in each game. On Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, Smith sank 4 of 5 shots from beyond the arc for 12 points — all of which came in the second half.

    The Lakers will find out their postseason opponent later today — the Houston Rockets or Minnesota Timberwolves — with the first round of the playoffs beginning on April 18-19 (Saturday or Sunday).

    ​ Orange County Register 

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