Multiple Authors
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.”
After a 131-107 win in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz, the Lakers hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.
Smith entered Sunday averaging 6 points and one assist while shooting 40% from 3 in 12.3 minutes per game in 29 games. He had 12 points and one assist and went 2-for-6 from 3 in 18 minutes against the Jazz.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this story.
