The Los Angeles Lakers Signing Nick Smith Jr. is PERFECT! Here’s Why!

What if I told you the Lakers just signed a player who was a consensus top three high school recruit just three years ago? A player who was the MVP of the Jordan Brand All-American game and a guy who is still only 21 years old and a former firstround pick. And what if I told you the Lakers just signed him basically for free? Well, Nick Smith Jr. is now officially a Los Angeles Laker and this under the radar move could end up being the Lakers biggest steel yet. Guys, thanks for checking out the channel today. My name is Troy. Welcome to the Halfcourt Report. Make sure you drop a like and hit that subscribe button for some of the hottest NBA content you’re going to find on YouTube. I am ready for the upcoming season and I am ready to talk about Nick Smith today because he was recently waved by the Charlotte Hornets due to a log jam at the guard position. Well, their loss is the Lakers gain. And I’m going to go out on a limb. I’ll assume that you’re not watching the Hornets on a regular basis. In fact, you might even think the team is still called the Bobcats and Adam Morrison is still on the team. So, let me give you a quick breakdown on Nick Smith Jr. He is a 6’2, 185-lb guard who was drafted 27th overall in the 2023 NBA draft out of Arkansas. Coming into the league, he was getting pro comps to Emanuel Quickley of the Raptors and former guards Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford due to his skills as a combo guard who could fill it up from anywhere on the floor. This past season in Charlotte, he started 27 of 60 games. He averaged nearly 10 points, two and a half assists, and two rebounds in about 23 minutes per game while shooting 39% from the field and 35% from three. Add to that, he was over 90% from the foul line. As a rookie, Smith led all firstear players in three-point percentage at 43% and proved that when you left him open, he could fill it up. So, with this signing, the Lakers are bringing in a player who offers something that no one else on the team really can do. A combination of youth, scoring upside, and shot making versatility. Smith is a talented young guard with an exciting offensive skill set. As I mentioned, only 21 years old, but already has a deep shooting range and the ability to create off the bounce tools that are hard to find, especially on a team built around veterans and win now pieces. So, when you look at the construction of this Lakers squad, it’s a lot of experienced vets, 3 and D guys, and playmaking wings. But what Smith brings is a totally different dynamic. aggressive scoring instincts, creativity off the dribble, and room to grow. And perhaps that’s what’s most important at all. Smith is not a finished product. Not by a long shot. But that’s what makes this such a smart move. The Lakers don’t need him to be a star right away. They just need to give him a chance to develop. So, the Lakers signed him to a two-way contract, and that comes with built-in opportunity. He can bounce between the main roster or the G-League team, learning the system, getting reps, and refining his game, all without taking up a guaranteed spot or significant cap space. So, it’s essentially a no- risk, highreward situation. If Smith figures it out, you’ve got a legit scoring guard on a bargain deal. And if not, you cut him and move on. Don’t forget, there’s probably some extra fuel in Nick Smith’s tank right now. He was just waved by Charlotte after only two seasons. This is a guy who came into the league as a first round pick. A guy who was ranked number three by ESPN. That kind of thing sticks with a guy, you know, he’s going to come in with something to prove. He’s going to come in with a chip on his shoulder. All in all, this was a smart move by the Lakers. Low cost, big potential upside. Nick Smith Jr. brings youthful energy, real scoring talent, and a chance to grow into something meaningful in this rotation. So, don’t be shocked if he turns into one of the more pleasant surprises for this team as the season goes on. Guys, let me know what you think about the signing of Nick Smith Jr., could he become a steal for the Lakers? Could he be the next Austin Reeves, guy who was signed to a two-way contract and is now one of the top players on the team? Let me know in the comments. And since you’ve watched this far, make sure you drop a like for the YouTube algorithm and hit that subscribe button, too, so you never miss another NBA video from me. Don’t be a casual in basketball or in life. And I’ll catch you next time on the Halfcourt Report. Peace.

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11 comments

  6. Morrison won a ring with Lakers if I'm not mistaken. I got sick of Kobe so stopped watching that area. Eddie Jones could have filled that role. Switch places in Rice trade, Bean doesn't accomplish half of what Eddie did. One of my 2 home teams, but we all know SoCal is nation.

  7. He was waived by Charlotte because he was not very good and he got worse in year two. He is a combo guard who can't guard anybody and is not a great shooter. He is a fine pickup as a two-way player. Maybe he can learn to play defense and develop. Or he will just shoot all the time in the G-League.

  10. He gon be the next malik monk for us. He's a former number 1 ranked HS player. That's what they said to monk back then that he can't defend, shoots, too small. But when the lakers get him he's phenomenal.

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