Shams CharaniaApr 13, 2026, 01:49 AM
CloseShams Charania is a senior NBA insider for ESPN. Charania reports NBA news and information across ESPN platforms and also contributes to ESPN’s exclusive coverage of the NBA draft. Charania has previously worked for FanDuel TV, Stadium, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, RealGM and ChicagoNow. He is a Chicago native and graduated from Loyola University in 2017.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract, agent Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports told ESPN on Sunday.
With star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers are adding backcourt depth for the playoffs.
“Obviously a difficult decision,” Redick said of the choice between converting Smith or big man, Drew Timme. “Drew has been awesome for us. Frankly, we’re missing two of our ball-handlers — two of our primary ball-handlers. We need Nick, we need shooting as well. A lot of discussion, a lot of debate over the last few days about that.”
Entering Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz, the Lakers hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. They could move up to No. 3 with a win over the Jazz and a Denver Nuggets loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
In 29 games this season, Smith has averaged 6 points and one assist while shooting 40% from 3 in 12.3 minutes.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this story.