Lakers convert Nick Smith Jr. to standard contract, making guard playoff-eligible

The Lakers are converting Nick Smith Jr. from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract before the regular season ends. 

The signing, which was first reported on Sunday by ESPN, will make Smith eligible for the Lakers’ playoff roster. 

The Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a standard NBA contract Sunday, making him eligible for the postseason roster. Getty Images

With star guards Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique strain) sidelined, the Lakers opted for more shooting and backcourt depth going into the postseason.

The Lakers created the roster spot to sign Smith when they waived Kobe Bufkin on Friday. 

Smith signed a two-way contract with the Lakers on Sept. 29 after being waived by the Hornets earlier in September after two seasons in Charlotte. 

He averaged six points and shot 40% on 3-pointers in 29 games with the Lakers before Sunday’s signing. 

Smith was the No. 27 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.