Lakers Convert Nick Smith Jr.'s Contract to Standard Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers converted two-way guard Nick Smith Jr.'s contract to a standard two-year deal on Sunday, bolstering their backcourt depth as they head into the NBA playoffs without injured stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

The move, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, ensures the 21-year-old Smith becomes postseason-eligible just before the regular season finale against the Utah Jazz. Smith, selected 27th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA draft, joined the Lakers on a two-way contract in September after being waived by Charlotte amid a roster crunch. The Lakers created a standard roster spot by waiving guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday. The second year of Smith's new contract is non-guaranteed, signaling a focus on immediate playoff needs rather than long-term commitment.

The decision stems from injuries that have sidelined Dončić and Reaves since a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. Dončić, a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, has been averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds this season before the injury derailed his MVP candidacy. He traveled to Europe for specialized rehabilitation, including stem-cell therapy in Madrid, Spain, and briefly...