The Los Angeles Lakers‘ bench has drawn attention this season, largely for the wrong reasons.
Despite their star power at the top of the rotation, the Lakers rank last in the NBA in bench points per game at 25.5. Amid those struggles, one of the most intriguing figures to emerge has been Two-Way guard Nick Smith Jr.
Smith has shown flashes of scoring and playmaking ability when given opportunities. Most recently, he delivered an eye-opening performance in a 125-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings, scoring 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including five three-pointers, while adding six assists. It marked his second 20-plus point outing in an NBA game this season.
Despite limited appearances, Smith has made a strong case for himself when on the floor. He is shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc, the second-highest on the team, and has benefited from injuries and rotation needs that have expanded his role.
Those opportunities have allowed him to showcase his value and potentially influence the Lakers’ plans moving forward. Still, his contract situation casts significant uncertainty over both his short-term and long-term future with the franchise.
Lakers Face Urgent Contract Decision on Smith Jr.
Smith is currently on a Two-Way contract, meaning he splits time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Two-Way contracts are limited in both salary and the number of days a player can spend on the NBA active list.
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Smith has 33 days remaining on the active list, leaving a narrow window to impress Lakers management and potentially earn a standard NBA contract.
The Lakers can convert Smith’s Two-Way deal into a standard contract at any point through to the final day of the regular season. From Jan. 19, he becomes playoff eligible if converted. Under league rules, such a conversion can only be for a maximum of two-years and must be prorated at the veteran minimum salary.
Smith’s situation is further complicated by his contractual history. His rookie deal was terminated early after he was waived by the Charlotte Hornets, meaning he will enter the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent rather than a restricted one like most Two-Way players.
Roster Dilemma for the Lakers
This path represents both opportunity and risk. Smith must continue producing in limited minutes while competing with established rotation players. Once his active days are exhausted, he can return to the G League, but given his NBA flashes, that scenario could become frustrating for both Smith and his representatives.
“Our roster, frankly has a lot of guys that do a lot of one thing really well and the balance of finding that offense defense balance has got to be there for a guy like Nick to play meaningful minutes,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said recently. “That’s just the reality. He knows that.”
Smith has appeared in three G League games this season, averaging 19.7 points, four rebounds, four assists, and shooting 43.5% from three on high volume. Across 18 career G League games with South Bay and the Greensboro Swarm, he has averaged 20 points per game while shooting 39.6 percent from deep, production that suggests he is capable of contributing at a higher level.
For Smith and the Lakers, the stakes are high. His performances over the coming weeks may determine whether he earns a standard contract or enters an offseason where he is likely to attract interest from multiple teams as an unrestricted free agent.
Lakers management, meanwhile, must balance roster flexibility with player development. Full roster spots are already occupied by young fringe players such as Bronny James, Adou Thierro, and Dalton Knecht, while a midseason trade could quickly alter the roster landscape.
Converting Smith’s contract too early could limit flexibility, but waiting too long risks losing another promising contributor, as the Lakers have in previous years.
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