Nick Smith Jr.? How the most unexpected player beat the Blazers without a 3-star

The The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of their most surprising wins season on Monday night, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115 despite missing three of their top stars — LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The win marked Los Angeles’ fourth straight and improved its record to 6-2, with an unlikely hero leading the way.

Nick Smith Jr., now in his third NBA season, he delivered a breakthrough performance that fired up the lowly Lakers. The 21-year-old guard, who signed a two-way contract earlier this season after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets, erupted for 25 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal while shooting 10-for-15 from the field and 5-for-6 from three-point range in 27 minutes off the bench. His composure and energy helped Los Angeles rally in the second half to secure the win.

Smith speaking with Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Trudell after the game his coaches and teammates deserve credit for the trust they placed in him.

“I just wanted to come out with energy. Coach JJ and the staff believe in me.” Nick Smith Jr. gets the win in modest measure — 3 shy of his career high and clutch when it mattered most.

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“I just wanted to come in here with energy,” Smith said. “Coach JJ and the coaching staff believe in me and believe in this group no matter who we have, you know, our best players — just come out here and compete and win. I feel like we did that today and we’ve got to keep going.”

Nick Smith Jr. emerged as the Lakers’ unexpected hero against the Trail Blazers

Smith’s role has varied early in his tenure with the Lakers, but Monday’s performance could signal his emergence as a reliable player in the rotation. Asked what it meant to deliver a two-way deal at such a time, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

“It’s big for me, man, especially the coaching staff gives me the most confidence to go out there and play my game, and my teammates definitely did a good job of guiding me in the right direction and I’m learning a lot, man … I’m just happy to be here,” he said.

Adding to the drama, Smith revealed he had thrown up at half-time, but insisted he return to finish the game.

“There was no way I was going to miss this … just to get a chance to play with the guys and get a chance to compete, and I guess I needed it, I don’t know — it just happened,” Smith said.

Coach JJ Redick later credited Smith’s second-half takeover as a key factor in the win. Efficient scoring and point guard play provided a key advantage for Los Angeles, which relied on its depth in the absence of its stars.

The Lakers also got strong outings from Deandre Ayton, who finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Rui Hachimura, who added 28 points. Los Angeles will return home to face the San Antonio Spurs (5-1) on Wednesday night at Cripto.com Arena, continuing an early season surge fueled by unexpected contributions.