LOS ANGELES LAKERS SIGN GUARD NICK SMITH JR. TO TWO-WAY CONTRACT
Official Release /September 30, 2025
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LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way contract. In a corresponding move, the team has waived center Kylor Kelley. Smith Jr. (6'2", 185) appeared in 60 games (27 starts) for the Charlotte Hornets in 2024-25, averaging 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 22.8 minutes. In 111 career NBA games (27 starts) across two seasons with the Hornets, the 21-year-old averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 18.9 minutes.
Smith Jr. was originally selected by Charlotte with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Collegiately, Smith Jr. played one season in his home state at the University of Arkansas (2022-23), where he averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 25.8 minutes in 17 total games (14 starts). Smith Jr. will wear jersey No. 20 for the Purple and Gold.
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