Unheralded Lakers pickup could have big impact this season

Smith is a career 37.3 percent shooter from three-point range, which is a skill the Lakers are lacking so far this season. They've made the second-fewest threes in the NBA and are fifth-worst in three-point percentage. Neither Reaves nor Doncic is a great shooter from distance, while reserve guards Gabe Vincent and Marcus Smart are notably poor outside shooters.

Nick Smith Jr. provides a lot of upside at a cheap cost

There are definite holes in Smith's game, but he's also only 21 years old and coming off of difficult situations on the tanking Hornets and a college season where he played through injury. He hasn't been good on defense, but he also hasn't had a lot of playing time to mesh with his teammates and get acclimated to NBA players.

Smith has excellent physical tools and long arms and was previously considered an energetic defender. One thing Lakers coach JJ Redick has done well is cobble together a respectable defense without ideal personnel. At full strength, the Lakers can lean on Smart and Vincent, along with James and center Deandre Ayton protecting the rim. There's a support system in place for Smith to catch up, and compensate for others' shooting weaknesses.

There's a long way for Smith to go to earn a regular NBA spot. But with James and Doncic among the best players at finding open teammates, Smith should get a lot of clean looks. He's also a great option for instant offense when the other scorers are gone. If he's at all playable on defense, that's a valuable role play for the Lakers.

And it only costs the Lakers a two-way salary. That's better odds than a lottery ticket — and could help ensure the Lakers are far from a lottery team.