The Los Angeles Lakers started Nick Smith Jr. over Bronny James with Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent out against the Suns on Tuesday night. Yes, that is the same Smith Jr. who the Hornets cut in September before his rookie contract expired. The Lakers signed him to a two-way deal, but he is more trusted than Bronny at this point.
It was a baffling decision. Smith Jr. has a negative-2.0 value over replacement player for his career. He is a bucket-getter who struggles mightily on defense. The Lakers had LeBron James in the lineup. Austin Reaves was on a minute limit after missing the previous three games, but the Lakers really needed defense and floor spacing around the two healthy stars.