Roscoe Smith has impressed Lakers

When Roscoe Smith told UNLV coach Dave Rice last spring he was not coming back for his senior season and was going pro, many ridiculed Smith’s decision.

Come Tuesday, he may have the last laugh.

The 6-foot-8-inch forward has done enough things well in the preseason for the Los Angeles Lakers and along with a slew of injuries that has decimated the team, it may result in Smith finding a spot on their roster when the Lakers open the 2014-15 NBA regular season Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center.

With the Lakers hobbling and down to eight healthy players during the second half, Smith played 22 minutes off the bench and finished with four points and six rebounds in L.A.’s 93-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings Friday at the MGM Grand Garden. But Smith missed two critical free throws with 39.9 seconds left which could have extended the Lakers’ lead beyond 91-89.

Whether that impacts the Lakers’ decision to ultimately keep or cut him remains to be seen. But Smith’s big body, ability to rebound and run the floor has impressed the team.

Smith went undrafted last June and the Lakers signed him to their Vegas Summer League roster as a rookie free agent. He played well enough that the Lakers invited him back to training camp. He has played well in the limited minutes coach Byron Scott has given him.

“I feel like I’ve taken advantage of the opportunity (with the Lakers),” Smith said. “I’m comfortable at this level and the veterans have been very helpful.”

General manager Mitch Kupchak likes what he has seen of Smith. But with only 15 roster spots, Smith may get squeezed in a numbers game.

“Obviously, there’s a better chance for him than there was two weeks ago,” Kupchak said, alluding to the rash of injuries that struck the team. “Right now, we’re at 17. We’re probably going to keep Steve (Nash) on the roster for now, so we still have to cut down to 15.

“But we like Roscoe. He’s lively. He’s a good rebounder and he runs the floor well. He’s picked it up in the last two weeks.”

The Lakers have until Monday to finalize their roster. Smith said no matter what happens, he’s convinced he did the right thing leaving the Rebels.

“It would be a huge blessing if I make it,” he said, not even mentioning the fact that if he survives the final cut, he’ll earn the NBA rookie minimum salary of $507,000. “But I feel like all the hard work I’ve been putting in has already paid off.”

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.