Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Lakers Hero Announces Health Update After Throwing Up on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 6:40 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers played without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James on Monday, but it didn't stop them from getting a win against the Portland Trail Blazers.

James has yet to play this season as he nurses sciatica. Meanwhile, Doncic was ruled out as the Lakers managed his lower left leg injury after suiting up on Sunday. Austin Reaves, for his part, is dealing with right groin soreness.

With the Lakers' Big 3 sidelined, several L.A. players stepped up and helped carry the scoring load. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura came up huge, with the former recording 29 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, and the latter adding 28 points and four boards.

The biggest surprise of the contest, however, was two-way contract player Nick Smith Jr., who exploded for 25 points on 5-of-6 shooting from deep in the Lakers' 123-115 win.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. (20) celebrates with teammate forward Jake LaRavia (12).Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Making his performance even more amazing, Smith was dealing with an illness during the game. In fact, according to Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet, he even threw up in the tunnel at halftime.

Smith only had eight points in the first half, but when he came back after halftime, he played differently. He scored 10 in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back triples with less than two minutes left to give the Lakers a 12-point lead.

When asked about his health following the win, Smith Jr. shared that he's doing better and even seemingly confirmed the report about his vomiting.

"Yeah, I'm fine now. I got it out," Smith said, per Khobi Price of the Orange County Register.

Nick Smith Jr. on his halftime sickness: "Yeah, I'm fine now. I got it out." https://t.co/ZeWmHbd6f9 pic.twitter.com/lHRgOxFiFG
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 4, 2025

Smith certainly made the most of the opportunity given to him. After the game, he even said that there was "no way" he was missing the contest because of his illness. That decision paid off, both for him and the Lakers.

It remains to be seen when Smith will get another chance to play significant minutes for the Purple and Gold, but he certainly earned himself another opportunity with his gutsy display.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: