Overview
- The Lakers declined Nick Smith Jr.’s team option for 2026–27, a decision reported June 30 that makes the 22-year-old an unrestricted free agent.
- Los Angeles converted Smith’s two-way deal to a standard contract at the end of the regular season to make him playoff-eligible, a procedural step that preceded the option decision.
- Smith played in 30 regular-season games for the Lakers, averaging 12.5 minutes, 6.2 points, 43.5% overall shooting and 39.5% from three-point range.
- He also posted strong G League numbers with South Bay, averaging about 19.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 49.8% from the field and 37.0% from three in 18 games.
- Teams around the league are likely to show interest because of his shooting and age, and the Lakers retain the ability to re-sign him later depending on how their summer roster and cap plans evolve.