The Los Angeles Lakers are in win-now mode. In an effort to bolster the lineup around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, stepping on some toes is inevitable.
Before trading for Doncic, doing anything to upset James would have been inconceivable to the Lakers. Now that the future of the franchise is not tied to LeBron, the Lakers can have a bit of leeway.
If Bronny James does not thrive in his defensive specialist role, the Lakers signed Nick Smith Jr. to a two-way deal, and he could quickly replace Bronny as an end-of-the-bench option.
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Nick Smith Jr. #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 29, 2025 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Nick Smith Jr. Could Replace Bronny James
In his two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Nick Smith Jr. averaged eight points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He shot 39.1% from the floor and a solid 36.9% from deep.
After not much imporvement between his first and second seasons, the Hornets waived Smith Jr., lining up his new two-way deal with the Lakers.
Between Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Bronny James, Smith Jr. has an uphill battle ahead of him for playing time in a crowded backcourt. However, his willingness to play off-ball and potential as a shooting threat make him impossible to ignore.
“He’s someone who shot 43% on 3 as a rookie,” pointed out Lakers’ insider Jovan Buha on an October 1st episode of Buha’s Block.
Buha explained how Bronny’s chance of cracking the rotation hinges on him being a better defender than Smart. However, if Smith Jr. can be servicable on that end and return to being an above-average (he shot 39% from deep, not 43%) shooter, there will be minutes for him.
“Especially comparing him to Bronny and Gabe Vincent, he is far behind those two guys defensively,” said Buha of Smith Jr. “But I think the offensive end, he might be the most gifted shot creator and scorer of those three. And if he can figure out ways to play off the ball and be a reliable catch and shoot spot up threat, maybe a guy who can attack closeouts on the weak side and whatnot, that could be a pathway to him getting minutes at some point or in some lineup.”
Lakers Could Benefit From Playing Both Guards
Marcus Smart is 31 years old. Gabe Vincent is 29. Neither of them is a long-term piece in Hollywood. As the Lakers look to build around Doncic and perhaps Reaves, surrounding them with specialists will be a priority.
If Smith Jr. can emerge as a knockdown shooter, there will be a spot for him on the roster moving forward. If Bronny James can be an elite defender in bursts, he could have a real NBA career.
On paper, the two complement each other rather well. Bronny is a pass-first guard with elite defensive instincts. Smith Jr. can (in theory) hit shots off the dribble and in the corner.
With title hopes mounting, the Lakers won’t have much time to experiment with their lineups and rotations, although giving both youngsters some degree of responsibility in the regular season could set them up for long-term success.
JJ Redick will have to ask himself if it’s worth the gamble.
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