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Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves react during a game as the Lakers navigate injuries amid a tight playoff race.
The Los Angeles Lakers made a late-season roster move as they finalize their lineup ahead of Sunday’s regular season finale against the Utah Jazz.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles is signing guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract, adding depth to a backcourt currently dealing with injuries.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. on a new two-year contract… With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers add guard depth for the playoffs,” Charania reported.
Lakers Waive Kobe Bufkin to Open Roster Spot
The move comes shortly after the Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin on Friday, creating flexibility on the 15-man roster ahead of the postseason.
Bufkin, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had spent much of the season with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he averaged 24.8 points, 4.1 assists and 4.0 rebounds while earning All-NBAGL Second Team honors.
Despite his strong G League production, Bufkin saw limited action at the NBA level, averaging just 2.9 points in 16 appearances with Los Angeles.
His contract was not guaranteed beyond this season, making him a logical roster casualty as the Lakers prioritized playoff-ready contributors.
Nick Smith Jr. Provides Backcourt Depth
Smith, 21, brings immediate guard depth to a Lakers team currently without Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique).
The former first-round pick has appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 6.0 points while shooting 40% from three-point range — a skill set that could prove valuable in a limited role.
Originally drafted No. 27 overall in 2023, Smith spent his first two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets before landing in Los Angeles.
Decision Came Down to Fit, Not Talent
According to Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha, the decision to sign Smith likely came down to a choice between him and forward Drew Timme.
“I think this is likely going to come down to Nick Smith Jr. versus Drew Timme,” Buha said on his Buha’s Block podcast. “To me, Timme’s clearly the better player… but Nick Smith fits more of the role of a ball handler, scorer guy who can get hot.”
Timme, 25, has appeared in 26 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 3.4 points while shooting 41.7% from three, but the team ultimately prioritized guard play with the postseason approaching.
Buha added that adding a new player so close to the playoffs makes an immediate impact unlikely, making familiarity and role fit key factors.
Lakers Evaluating Final Roster Spot
The Lakers’ move also comes with a looming deadline.
Sunday marks the cutoff to finalize a 15-man roster eligible for the playoffs, and the team is expected to continue evaluating its options for the final spot.
While Smith fills an immediate need, the Lakers could still make an additional move depending on availability and fit.
Playoff Positioning Still at Stake
Los Angeles enters its regular season finale with a 52-29 record and currently holds the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, which would secure home-court advantage in the first round.
However, a win over the Jazz combined with a Denver Nuggets loss to the San Antonio Spurs could elevate the Lakers to the No. 3 seed.
With postseason positioning still in play and key players sidelined, the Lakers’ latest roster move reflects a focus on depth and flexibility heading into the playoffs.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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