The Lakers’ recent trade for Luke Kennard checks a major box: perimeter shooting. But in solving one problem, they opened the door to another - depth at point guard.
With Gabe Vincent heading out as part of the deal, Los Angeles now finds itself reshuffling the backcourt rotation. And quietly, Nick Smith Jr. is stepping into a golden opportunity.
Smith, just 21 years old and in his third NBA season, has played 24 games for the Lakers so far. While his name might not carry the same weight as some of his teammates, he’s shown flashes - and that’s not just empty praise. He’s carved out a role in JJ Redick’s rotation thanks to his ability to score in bunches and knock down shots from deep with confidence.
The Lakers don’t run a traditional offense that demands a prototypical floor general, which gives them some flexibility. But make no mistake: there’s a real need for someone to handle backup point guard duties behind Luka Doncic. And with Vincent gone, Smith is the most natural candidate to fill that role.
So far this season, Smith is averaging 5.8 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 threes in just 12.5 minutes per game. Those numbers don’t jump off the page - until you scale them up.
Per 36 minutes, Smith is putting up 16.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.2 made threes. That’s legitimate production for a second-unit guard, especially one who’s still finding his footing in the league.
What’s more, his shooting efficiency has been solid. He’s hitting 42.4% from the field and just under 40% from three - a key number for a Lakers team that ranks 22nd in the league in three-point percentage.
His free throw shooting (.636) is a bit of an anomaly, especially considering his career mark sits at .875. That suggests it’s more of a blip than a concern.
When Smith has been given extended minutes, he’s responded. In the seven games where he played at least 20 minutes, he averaged 12.1 points, 2.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.3 made threes while shooting 45.9% from the field and 44.4% from deep. That includes standout performances like a 25-point night in a win over Portland and a 21-point game in a victory against Sacramento.
These aren’t just garbage-time stats - they’re meaningful contributions in real NBA games. And with Vincent no longer in the mix, Smith has a real shot to lock down a consistent role. If he continues to produce when given the opportunity, it’s not hard to imagine the Lakers looking to keep him around beyond this season.
Of course, there’s always competition. Bronny James is in the picture, and his development will be watched closely.
But right now, Smith has the edge in experience and production. He’s shown he can handle the role, and now the question is whether he can seize it.
For a Lakers team looking to fine-tune its rotation and make a playoff push, Nick Smith Jr. might just be the next man up - and ready for the moment.