Lakers, needing backcourt help, sign Nick Smith Jr. to new deal

The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. To a new two-year contract, agent Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports informed ESPN on Sunday.

With star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers are including backcourt depth for the playoffs.

“Obviously a difficult decision,” Redick stated of the selection between changing Smith or massive 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.”

Entering Sunday’s regular-season finale in opposition to the Utah Jazzthe Lakers maintain the No. 4 seed within the Western Conference. They may transfer up to No. 3 with a win over the Jazz and a Denver Nuggets loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

In 29 video games this season, Smith has averaged 6 factors and one help whereas taking pictures 40% from 3 in 12.3 minutes.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this story.