EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Interstat) — The South Bay Lakers used a dominant second-quarter surge and a career performance from guard Nick Smith to overpower the Sioux Falls Skyforce 137-114 in a G League contest Thursday night at the UCLA Health Training Center.

The game was closely contested through the opening period, with South Bay holding a narrow 31-23 lead. The turning point came in the second quarter, when the Lakers erupted for 37 points while their defense stifled the Skyforce. A pivotal 13-2 run midway through the period, fueled by Smith’s scoring and playmaking, stretched a single-digit lead to 20 points. Smith, a 6-foot-5 point guard from Jacksonville, Arkansas, was instrumental in the breakout, hitting a series of difficult pull-up jumpers and 3-pointers to demoralize the Sioux Falls defense. By halftime, South Bay had built a commanding 68-58 advantage, a margin built largely at the free-throw line and from beyond the arc.

Sioux Falls, led by Jahmir Young’s aggressive drives and Josh Christopher’s scoring, showed resilience in the third quarter. The Skyforce poured in 36 points, cutting the deficit to as few as 10 points at one stage behind a flurry of baskets from Christopher and center Vladislav Goldin, who provided a strong interior presence with several dunks and blocked shots. However, every Skyforce push was met with a timely response from South Bay. The Lakers consistently answered with scores, often from Smith or forward Drew Timme, to maintain a double-digit cushion heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter saw South Bay put the game definitively out of reach. The Lakers opened the period with a 12-4 spurt, re-establishing a 20-point lead and effectively sealing the outcome. Smith continued his offensive showcase, while Chris Manon provided key defensive plays and transition baskets. The Lakers’ ball movement and scoring balance proved too much for Sioux Falls to overcome, as South Bay cruised to the 23-point victory.

Smith finished as the game’s high scorer, leading a Lakers offense that saw efficient contributions across the roster. Timme provided a steady inside presence, while Dalton Knecht and R.J. Davis hit critical shots. For Sioux Falls, Young orchestrated the offense and Christopher shouldered the scoring load, but the team’s defensive efforts could not contain the Lakers’ multifaceted attack.

With the win, South Bay improved its season record to 32 wins and 17 losses, solidifying its position near the top of the league standings. Sioux Falls fell to 26-23. The two teams are scheduled for a quick rematch at the same venue on Saturday.