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The Los Angeles Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way contract
Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL expert who's been betting on the league for over three years now. Wolpin has been a fan of the NBA and has been watching for a decade and a half. He covers the latest news and stories surrounding the league daily. His passion in life is watching sports and being able to share that through his sports writing. He has written about the NBA and other sports leagues through various media outlets over the years like Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAP into South Plainfield. Before he became an NBA News Writer, Wolpin attended Montclair State University where he graduated in 2021. He studied Sports Media and Writing while in school.
All posts by Zach WolpinUpdated2 hours ago on October 01, 2025
Following two seasons with Charlotte, Nick Smith Jr. was waived ahead of training camp. Smith Jr. was set to enter his third professional season in 2025-26.
Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers waived big man Kylor Kelley. He was on an Exhibit 10 deal with the Lakers. In a corresponding move, the team signed Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way contract. After being waived by the Hornets, Smith Jr. has received another opportunity to continue his career. He joins Christian Koloko and Chris Manon, who are also on two-way deals for the 2025-26 season.
Nick Smith Jr. has signed a two-way contract with the Lakers
Nick Smith Jr, Lakers Sign Two-Way Contract https://t.co/Wel1Z9kE9H
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 30, 2025
With the 27th pick in the 2023 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected Nick Smith Jr. out of Arkansas. He played one season collegiately for the Razorbacks before he took his talents to the pros. The 21-year-old has played two seasons for the Hornets. He’s appeared in 111 games and made 27 starts. In 2024-25, Smith Jr. played in 60 games and made 27 starts for the Hornets. Smith Jr. averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
For the 2025-26 season, Nick Smith Jr. was on a guarenteed contract with Charlotte. Due to an influx of guards on their roster, the team decided to waive Smith Jr. ahead of traning camp. Because he’s entering his third season, Nick Smith Jr. was still eligible to sign a two-way contract. The 21-year-old received the Lakers’ final two-way contract for the upcoming season.
I think the Nick Smith Jr. signing was a great move by the Lakers. Averaged a solid 10 PPG in Charlotte and had multiple 20+ point games. I feel like he could develop really well and be a great piece for the Lakers in the future 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pENGe9iP1S
— Lakers Wire (@lakerswire1) September 29, 2025
Over two seasons, Nick Smith Jr.’s career-high for points is 28. He accomplished that in a 126-96 loss to the Raptors on April 9, 2025. Smith Jr. was 8-13 from the field and six for nine from beyond the arc. For his career, Smith Jr. shoots .369% from deep. There’s no guarantee he’ll see significant playing time for the Lakers in 2025-26.
To sign Nick Smith Jr., the Lakers had to part ways Kylor Kelley. The big man split time between the Mavericks and Pelicans in 2024-25. He appeared in 11 games and made two starts last season. Kelley signed with Los Angeles to an Exhibit 10 deal. He also spent time with the Lakers’ G League affiliate in 2024-25. Kelley has familiarity with the team and could find his way back to the Lakers later in the season. Los Angeles’ first preseason game is Friday, October 3, vs. the Phoenix Suns.
