League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Transactions

Lakers decline Nick Smith Jr.’s team option, guard becomes free agent

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 2:15 AM

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

Lakers decline Nick Smith Jr.’s team option, guard becomes free agent

Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers have declined the $2.5 million team option on guard Nick Smith Jr. for the 2026-27 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. The decision reportedly frees up over $50 million in cap space for the upcoming free agency period, which begins at 3 p.m. today. Smith joined the Lakers on a two-way contract in September 2025 after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 6.2 points and shot 39.5% on three-pointers in 30 regular-season games for Los Angeles before transitioning to a standard NBA contract in April prior to the playoffs.

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Market Watch

•Lakers decline Nick Smith Jr.'s team option
•Smith averaged 6.2 points with the Lakers
•Free agency starts today at 3 p.m.
•Lakers gain over $50 million in cap space
•Smith was the No. 27 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

Latest Updates

4:46 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers are letting go of Nick Smith Jr.
2:15 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers decline Nick Smith Jr.’s team option, making guard free agent

What they're saying

"
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 10: Nick Smith Jr. #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a foul shot during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns...The...
— Yahoo Sports