Lakers waive Nick Smith Jr. ahead of free agency
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 4:48 AM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers announced the decision to waive Nick Smith Jr. on June 30. The team declined the option for the 2026-27 season on the former first-round pick, who averaged 6.2 points over 30 games last season. Smith, originally selected No. 27 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, failed to secure a lasting role with the Lakers after being signed to a two-way contract last year. His potential as a scorer remains, as he showed promise with a 39.5% shooting from three-point range, but he will now enter free agency.
- •Lakers waived Nick Smith Jr. on June 30.
- •Smith averaged 6.2 points in 30 games last season.
- •He had a team option for the 2026-27 season that was declined.
- •Smith was a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
- •He will now enter the open market as a free agent.
- 4:48 AMYahoo Sports — Lakers cut ties with former 1st-round pick before free agency
"Los Angeles is getting its roster into shape.
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