Lakers are letting go of Nick Smith Jr.
Last September, the Los Angeles Lakers took a flyer on Nick Smith Jr. , a former first-round draft pick in 2023, by signing him to a two-way contract.
Last September, the Los Angeles Lakers took a flyer on Nick Smith Jr. , a former first-round draft pick in 2023, by signing him to a two-way contract.
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The Lakers' decision to part ways with Nick Smith Jr. underscores a broader trend in the NBA where teams are increasingly prioritizing high-upside, low-risk roster moves over long-term commitments to unproven talent. This move signals the franchise’s willingness to cut ties early with a player who, despite his draft pedigree, failed to carve out a consistent role in a competitive backcourt rotation.
Background Context
Nick Smith Jr. was a consensus top-10 prospect in the 2023 draft, selected 8th overall by the Pistons before being traded to Washington. His two-way contract with the Lakers—part of a league-wide experiment with developmental assignments—was a calculated gamble on his shooting and finishing ability, but his minutes were consistently limited by the team’s crowded perimeter depth. The Lakers’ front office has historically favored veteran stability over project players, a preference that now extends to their approach with young draft picks.
What Happens Next
The Lakers will likely reallocate Smith Jr.’s roster spot to another two-way player or a veteran guard seeking a short-term deal, maintaining their flexibility amid cap constraints. For Smith Jr., this exit could serve as a reset button, either in the G League or with another team willing to take a risk on his upside. The move also puts a spotlight on the Lakers’ development pipeline, raising questions about whether their system stifled his growth or if his talent simply didn’t align with their competitive timeline.
Bigger Picture
This decision reflects a league-wide shift toward "proven quantity" over "untapped potential," where teams are more willing to move on from high-profile draft picks if they don’t immediately contribute. The Lakers’ move also highlights the growing divide between teams that treat two-way contracts as developmental stepping stones versus those that use them as mere roster filler. In an era where cap space is king, even young talent is being evaluated through the lens of immediate utility rather than long-term upside.
