Overview
- Los Angeles signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to a standard two-year NBA contract on Sunday to make him eligible for the postseason.
- The Lakers created the open spot by waiving Kobe Bufkin on Friday as teams finalized 15-man playoff rosters.
- Because two-way players cannot play in the playoffs, converting Smith adds ball-handling and shooting depth while Dončić and Reaves recover.
- Reporting indicates the final choice was between Smith and fellow two-way Drew Timme, who stays on a two-way deal and is not eligible for postseason play.
- Smith has appeared in about 29 games for L.A., averaging roughly 6 points and near 40% from three, and reporting says his deal includes a team option with a non-guaranteed 2026–27 salary.