The Perfect Storm That Brought Smith to LA

The path that led Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers reads like a Hollywood script. A five-star recruit out of high school, Smith was expected to dominate at Arkansas. Instead, a knee injury limited him to just 17 games during his lone college season. Many scouts worried about his durability, but those who watched him play saw flashes of brilliance.

Charlotte took a chance on him with the 27th pick in 2023, and Smith rewarded their faith with steady improvement. Last season, he averaged 9.9 points and 2.4 assists per game, showing the kind of court vision and scoring ability that first made him a coveted recruit.

But salary cap realities forced Charlotte’s hand. Rather than commit $2.7 million to a developing player, they chose to cut him loose. Their loss became the Lakers’ gain.

What This Means for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Championship Hopes

The timing of this move couldn’t be better for Los Angeles. With LeBron James entering his 23rd season and Luka Doncic shouldering an enormous load, the Lakers need young talent who can contribute immediately while developing for the future.

Smith brings exactly that combination. His shooting ability from beyond the arc addresses one of the Lakers’ biggest needs, while his youth provides insurance for an aging roster. In today’s NBA, where three-point shooting can swing entire series, having another reliable marksman is invaluable.

The two-way contract structure also gives both sides flexibility. Smith gets a chance to prove himself with a championship-caliber organization, while the Lakers can evaluate his fit without making a major financial commitment.

The Ripple Effect on the Roster

This signing sends shockwaves through the Lakers’ depth chart, particularly in the backcourt. Players like Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin suddenly have another competitor for minutes, while Bronny James faces increased competition for development opportunities.

But competition breeds excellence, and that’s exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers need heading into a season where championship expectations loom large. Smith’s presence will push everyone to elevate their games, creating the kind of internal competition that championship teams thrive on.

The move also demonstrates the Lakers’ commitment to building sustainable success. While other teams mortgage their futures for win-now moves, Los Angeles found a way to add talent without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

Looking Ahead to Training Camp

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for media day and the official start of training camp, Smith’s signing adds an intriguing subplot to watch. Can he carve out a meaningful role on a team with championship aspirations? Will his shooting ability translate to significant minutes alongside LeBron and Luka?

The answers to those questions could determine whether this under-the-radar signing becomes one of the best moves of the offseason. One thing’s certain: the Los Angeles Lakers just got younger, more talented, and more dangerous. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t have to make.