Just before the start of the training camp, the Los Angeles Lakers filled their last two -way place by signing the old first round Nick Smith Jr.
Smith was recently released by the Charlotte Hornets after only two seasons with the team. In 111 games (28 departures), he collected an average of 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists while pulling 36.9% on a 3 -point range.
Coming to Los Angeles is a different beast and it didn’t take long for Smith to notice.
“It was crazy. Especially when I entered the establishment on the day of the media and there were hundreds of people here and that there were probably 20 people in the media day in Charlotte. It is definitely a blessing to be here and to learn of the best,” said Smith after the first practice of the Lakers.
Smith has a certain familiarity with the Lakers organization after working for them in the pre-trafic process in 2023. He looked at that day and expressed his recognition to carry purple and gold.
“I was just trying to put my foot in the door when I came here to do a training before the cog,” said Smith. “I think I have done well and just for me to find myself here now is a little crazy. As I said, just grateful for the opportunity to improve and learn from the best.”
Now that he is here, Smith has discussed aspect of his game on which he wants to work to contribute to the Lakers.
“I would say that the next step in my development is to keep the game easy, keep things simple and not really do too much. I would say that my shot capacity, just to be able to go anywhere and help the team put the ball in the basket and stuff like that. I also need to be a better defender too.”
Nick Smith Jr. opens onto the outing of the Hornets and the signature with the Lakers
When you are drafted in the first round, you do not expect to look for a new house two years later. This is the case with Nick Smith Jr. however and he opened his departure from the Hornets and needs to make up for the Lakers.
“Sometimes things just don’t work where you are, and I understand that,” said Smith. “Of course, I try to catch up because the guys have been here since summer time. So I’m going to ask as many questions as possible to ride it, but when it comes to my game, I always stay ready. ”
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