"Should be on a regular contract over Bronny": Lakers fans highly impressed as $636,435 signing thrives alongside Luka Doncic 

Nick Smith Jr. is quickly gaining fans among the rigid Lakers supporters following his impressive performances in the preseason. The former Hornets guard is vying for a standard contract after signing a $636,435 two-way deal with LA. Smith has made a compelling case thus far and is only building on it.

In Tuesday's game against the Suns, Smith earned more faith after an efficient outing while playing alongside Luka Doncic, who made his preseason debut. Smith began the contest with two made 3s off Doncic's assists, showcasing his catch-and-shoot ability.

Not just that, he proved he's a threat on both ends with stellar defense on the perimeter. These skills are of great value to the Lakers, who need more players to contribute in a multitude of ways offensively, while also not being liable on defense.

Smith finished the game with eight points on 3 of 7 shooting, including 2 of 4 from deep. He was a plus-minus +2, the highest off the bench and among players with ambitions of a roster spot.

Here's how Lakers fans hyped Nick Smith Jr. on X during Tuesday's outing:

Hater

@swishsmith2020

He should be on a regular contract over bronny

Wizely 🫥🌙

@Wizelycook

Nick smith jr game is just smooth dawg

♕𝕕𝕒𝕧𝕠𓅓

@shpillo_

give Nick Smith Jr. a contract soon as he sit down in the locker room at halftime we’ve seen enough 🙅🏾‍♂️

Coach Rome

@Rome_Beast

nick smith intrigues me bro

🦅

@deadboylyfee

Nick Smith Jr. I won’t let this defense effort go unnoticed brother

Prime Luka

@LeLukaLA

There's so much juice in the Nick Smith Jr. signing wc could lead to a Monk 2.0. 1st rd picks getting a right environment performing better and reaching their potential.

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Nick Smith Jr. can be the new Jordan Goodwin for Lakers

The Lakers lost a key piece this offseason in Jordan Goodwin. They had to cut him to make space for Marcus Smart's signing. Goodwin made the Lakers realize what they lost on Tuesday with a phenomenal 24-point game. He added four rebounds and six assists, while shooting 50.0%, including 3 of 7 from deep.

The Lakers seemingly didn't have a presence like Goodwin, but with Nick Smith Jr., there's hope. The former No. 1 pick has shown similar flashes defensively. On offense, Smith appears to be the better player. He can handle the ball, play off the ball and score on all three levels.

Smith Jr. appears to be an asset worth retaining once the Lakers have to offer standard contracts to fill out their final spot. He's battling with multiple two-way candidates, including Christian Koloko and Chris Manon. Should Marcus Smart's injuries derail things for LA, Smith Jr. seems to have a compelling case to make the final roster spot over Koloko.