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Two-Way Rookie Lifts Lakers to Surprise Road Win
4 Nov
Summary
- Lakers win 123-115 against Blazers despite key absences
- Nick Smith Jr. scores 25 points, hits 5 of 6 three-pointers
- Coach Redick praises Smith's impact in the second half
On November 4th, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured an impressive 123-115 road win against the Portland Trail Blazers. This victory was particularly noteworthy as the Lakers were without two of their key players, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who sat out due to the second night of a back-to-back.
In their absence, it was two-way contract player Nick Smith Jr. who stepped up and led the Lakers to the win. Smith finished the game with 25 points, including a blistering 5-of-6 shooting from three-point range. He also contributed 1 rebound, 6 assists, and 2 steals in just over 26 minutes of playing time.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Smith's impact, saying, "Nick Smith in the second half, he just took the game over. We needed his handle and we needed his wiggle tonight. Truthfully it was a perfect game for him."
The Lakers signed Smith to a two-way contract at the start of the season after he was cut by the Charlotte Hornets. Despite his limited NBA opportunities on a two-way deal, Smith has shown his potential, particularly in his college days at Arkansas where he was the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
