Lakers Add Young Sharpshooter on Two-Way Contract

Smith Jr. joins Christian Koloko and Chris Mañon as the Lakers’ two-way contract signees. In order to make room for him, the team waived center Kylor Kelley , who played 11 games last season between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.

More Moves Ahead of Training Camp

The addition of Smith Jr. came after the Lakers brought in two other players on training camp contracts, both of whom also enter with NBA experience.

Forward Anton Watson played nine games for the Knicks after he was waived by the Celtics in March. The former second-round pick had a productive season with Boston’s G League affiliate, averaging 12 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Maine Red Claws. In those 21 games (18 starts), he shot 43% from the field and 31% from deep.

Guard Nate Williams joins the Purple and Gold after three years between the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. Williams had a brief yet promising stretch for the Blazers in 2022-23. In five games (four starts) toward the end of the regular season, he averaged 10.6 points on 61% shooting from the field and 37% from three. He hasn’t been able to find that same consistency in Houston, however, averaging three points in 42 games over the last two years.

Both Watson and Williams are long shots to make the roster, but given their Exhibit 10 contract status, they can still find a home with LA’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. LA has found success stories through the G League before. Perhaps they can do it again this season.