Contract signing · LAL
Done deal
Nick Smith Jr. nears deal to leave NBA for Real Madrid
Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with Real Madrid, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The Lakers had declined his $2.5 million team option in June after a season split between a two-way deal and a late playoff promotion, making him a free agent.
The 22-year-old guard averaged 6.2 points while shooting nearly 40% from three in 30 games for Los Angeles, and put up 19.7 points and 5.0 assists per game in the G League. He began his career with Charlotte, which drafted him 27th overall in 2023, before being waived and picked up by the Lakers.
He is expected to be Real Madrid's lead guard, taking him to Europe rather than back onto an NBA roster.
1yr
+ 15 reports from 7 outlets
Heavy · 29 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. leaves Lakers for Real Madrid, with Doncic's help
Heavy · 17 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. officially joins Real Madrid through 2026-27
Sportando · 16 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr leaves NBA for Real Madrid through 2026-27
Sportando · 16 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr set to leave Hornets orbit for Real Madrid
Heavy · 13 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. agrees to one-year deal with Real Madrid
Fadeaway World · 13 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. agrees to one-year deal with Real Madrid
New York Post · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. leaves Lakers for one-year deal at Real Madrid
Yahoo Sports · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. leaves Lakers, signs with Real Madrid
Sportando · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. agrees to one-year deal with Real Madrid
Yahoo Sports · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. leaves Lakers for one-year deal with Real Madrid
New York Post · 12 Sept 2026Ex-Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. agrees to join Real Madrid
Heavy · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. leaves Lakers for one-year deal with Real Madrid
RealGM · 12 Sept 2026Smith Jr. closes in on move to Real Madrid after Lakers exit
Hoops Rumors · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. closing in on move to Real Madrid
Sportando · 12 Sept 2026Nick Smith Jr. nears deal to leave NBA for Real Madrid
