The Los Angeles Lakers closed the regular season with a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday at crypto.com Arena, locking in a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference. Nick Smith Jr. delivered 12 points in the rotation role and spoke about earning a playoff roster spot.
Smith Jr. described the moment as a career milestone, saying, “It was definitely a good opportunity for me to be a part of the playoffs, my first time being a part of the playoffs.” He added that the experience already felt familiar through earlier exposure, stating, “I came to a couple games when I was going through the process and stuff like that and it was a great experience.”
Looking ahead to the first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, Smith Jr. pointed to the physical challenge awaiting the Lakers. “Houston’s a good team, very big physical and we just got to be ready to play and match their physicality,” he said, while noting preparation would come during the week of practice.
Smith Jr. also discussed the emotional moment of finalizing his contract and making the playoff roster, revealing, “First person I contacted was my parents. Just to get them in the loop and everything and stuff like that. We was very excited. It’s been a long year for me and stuff like that.”
The guard emphasized how team stability has been tested throughout the season, particularly with key players missing extended time. “Like you said, I feel like we’ve been through this before during the season… we had guys out plenty of times and we went out there and competed,” he said, highlighting continuity despite lineup changes.
Smith Jr. also stressed the importance of chemistry and shared responsibility heading into the postseason. “All the guys around understand that and they come one way every day and we all in it for each other,” he said, pointing to the group’s approach during adversity.
With injuries forcing expanded ball-handling duties across the roster, Smith Jr. explained how his experience in the G League helped prepare him. “The reps with South Bay was definitely helpful… just to have the ball in my hands and make good decisions,” he said, referencing his development as a playmaker.
He also noted the role of veteran leadership in his adjustment to the NBA level, stating, “Definitely Smarty. Smarty has definitely helped me out a lot this year especially just being vocal and Austin has definitely been there for me.”
The Lakers now turn their focus to Houston for Game 1 of the playoffs, with Smith Jr. positioned as part of the supporting rotation in a series expected to test physicality and perimeter creation depth.
