Smith (groin) is signing a two-way contract with the Lakers on Monday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Smith was waived by the Hornets on Thursday but quickly landed with the Lakers ahead of training camp, albeit on a two-way pact. The 21-year-old guard logged meaningful minutes last season, starting 27 of 60 regular-season games and averaging 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds across 22.8 minutes per night.
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Nick Smith: Getting cut by Charlotte
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The Hornets are waiving Smith (groin) on Thursday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
This comes as a bit of a surprise, given that Smith played a relatively significant role for Charlotte a year ago. Over his final 46 outings after the calendar flipped to 2025, he averaged 11.9 points, 2.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game. It shouldn't be long before the 2023 first-rounder latches on with another club this fall. Smith's departure creates a clearer path to playing time for the likes of Tre Mann, Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie for the Hornets.
Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Smith suffered a groin injury during the Hornets' loss to the Celtics on Friday, putting him in jeopardy of missing Sunday's rematch. Seth Curry and Jaylen Sims would be in line to see increased minutes if Smith is unable to play.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Out for regular-season finale
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Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Celtics.
Smith won't play in the regular-season finale after suffering a groin injury in Friday's loss to Boston. The second-year guard took advantage of all the injuries in Charlotte this season, finishing the campaign with averages of 9.9 points, 2.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes across 60 appearances (27 starts).
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Sits out second half Friday
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Smith (groin) did not return for the second half of Friday's 130-94 loss to the Celtics and finished with nine points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds and four assists across 17 minutes.
Smith was announced as doubtful to return coming out of halftime after he tweaked his groin at some point in the first half. His inability to return puts him in jeopardy of missing the Hornets' season finale versus the Celtics on Sunday.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Exits with groin injury
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Smith is doubtful to return to Friday's game against the Celtics due to a groin injury.
Smith started at shooting guard and logged nine points (3-7 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes through the first two quarters, but he did not come out of the locker room for the start of the second half. Seth Curry started in the second half for Smith, whose status for Sunday's finale in Boston now looks to be in jeopardy.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Impressive double-double
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Smith chipped in 28 points (8-13 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), six rebounds and 10 assists across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 126-96 loss to Toronto.
Smith re-entered the Hornets' starting lineup due to injuries to Josh Okogie (hamstring) and Josh Green (shoulder). Smith took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a game-high 28 points while tying a season high with six three-pointers. It was the first double-double of his two-year NBA career, and his 10 assists were also a career high. Smith had seen his playing time off the bench diminish recently, but his efforts Wednesday could earn him additional playing time over the Hornets' final two games of the 2024-25 regular season.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Starting vs. Toronto
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Smith is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.
The Hornets will be without Josh Okogie (hamstring) and Josh Green (shoulder), so Smith moves to the starting five for this contest. His most recent start came on March 23 against the Heat, when he recorded 19 points in a 122-105 loss.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Will play Sunday
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Smith (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Bulls.
Smith has been upgraded from questionable to available and will suit up Sunday following a two-game absence. In his past 12 appearances (one start), Smith has averaged 12.1 points, 2.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 25.4 minutes per game.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Iffy for Sunday
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Smith (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bulls.
Smith is in danger of missing a third straight game for the Hornets due to a sprained left ankle. If he's unable to play against Chicago, Charlotte will likely turn to Josh Okogie to help shoulder the load in the backcourt.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Downgraded to out
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Smith (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.
Smith missed Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to a left ankle sprain, and the guard will also miss this one due to the same problem. Smith has started in 25 of his 56 appearances with the Hornets this season, averaging 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. His next chance to suit up will come Sunday against the Bulls.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Iffy for Friday
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Smith (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Kings.
After missing Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to an ankle issue, Smith is in danger of missing a second straight game for Charlotte on Friday against Sacramento. Josh Okogie might have to help pick up the slack if Smith is ultimately ruled out.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Ruled out against Indiana
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Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.
Smith is dealing with a left ankle issue, which will keep him sidelined in Indiana. The Hornets will likely turn to Damion Baugh and Josh Okogie to help shoulder the load in the backcourt.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Downgraded to questionable
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Smith (ankle) has been downgraded from probable to questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.
This is tough news for Charlotte, as Miles Bridges (illness) is also iffy to suit up. Smith has played an average of 28.1 minutes over his last seven games, so his potential absence could open up a big opportunity for others. Players such as Damion Baugh and Josh Okogie could potentially step into larger roles for Charlotte if Smith sits out.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Probable for Wednesday
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Smith (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.
The left ankle injury is a new concern for Smith, who hasn't missed an outing since Feb. 9. However, the 20-year-old is still likely to suit up against Indiana. Smith has averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 three-pointers and 2.0 rebounds across 28.6 minutes per game in his last five outings (one start).
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Pops for 19 off bench
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Smith finished with 19 points (7-16 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists across 35 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 98-94 loss to the Pelicans.
The second-year guard continues to provide a long-distance spark for the Hornets. Smith has scored double-digit points in seven of the last nine games (one start), averaging 14.6 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 threes and 2.6 boards in 27.8 minutes a contest while shooting 46.3 percent from beyond the arc.
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Hornets' Nick Smith: Moving back to bench role
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Smith is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against Magic.
Smith made a spot start Sunday and posted 19 points, three rebounds and three assists against the Heat, but he'll return to his regular bench role for this matchup as LaMelo Ball and DaQuan Jeffries will start on the backcourt. Smith has been playing well in recent weeks, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench. He's averaging 2.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game across 13 appearances in March (five starts).
Smith chipped in 19 points (7-14 FG, 5-9 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists and one steal across 38 minutes during Sunday's 122-105 loss to the Heat.
Smith led the Hornets in scoring in this loss, which is impressive since the likes of LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams were also in the starting lineup. Smith has scored in double digits in five of his last six outings despite starting just once in that stretch. He's averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 0.2 steals per game since the beginning of March.
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