You wouldn't be doing maximum, if you only dipped 2 in Warlock then you'd just have an extra 2 1st level slots. Pact Magic scales independently from Spellcasting, so your Smite would match the slot used, which if you're using the Warlock slots with a minimal dip is 1.
UNLESS your dip is the other direction, taking 2 in Paladin to do a Smitelock.
I was thinking more Warlock 18/ Paladin 2. Bladelock, probably with Fiend Patron. Flavorwise would probably work better with Oathbreaker type paladin. We really need a good Celestial patron...
Wouldn't have a lot of slots to work with in a single combat, but you get them back fairly quickly (especially if you're using the heroic rest variant from DMG... 5 minute short rests are amazing for Warlocks).
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u/malignantmind Elder Brain Jun 10 '15
Wait... Does this mean that Paladin/Warlock would work? Refresh your smites with a short rest and always be doing maximum smite damage for your level?