It didn't take long for Nick Smith Jr. to notice the difference between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.
Thanks to a bevy of injuries, Nick Smith Jr. has been pressed not only into the Charlotte Hornets' rotation but into the starting lineup. The guard was a late first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Charlotte was one of the worst teams in the league again last year, but they are hoping that changes this season. They are expecting to have a chance to make the playoffs instead of the draft lottery.