Lakers are letting go of Nick Smith Jr.

Last September, the Los Angeles Lakers took a flyer on Nick Smith Jr., a former first-round draft pick in 2023, by signing him to a two-way contract. While he rarely got playing time, he did have a few strong games, including a 25-point, six-assist effort versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 3.

The guard ended up averaging 6.2 points on 43.5% overall shooting and 39.5% from 3-point range in 12.5 minutes a game. Smith's deal was converted to a standard contract in April, making him eligible for the playoffs, but on Monday, the Lakers declined his team option for next season, making him an unrestricted free agent, per Keith Smith.