Nick Smith Jr. signs one-year contract with EuroLeague club Real Madrid
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 2:25 PM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid in the EuroLeague. The move follows the Lakers' decision to decline the team option for the upcoming season, making Smith a free agent. During his three-year NBA tenure with the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers, Smith averaged 7.6 points over 17.5 minutes per game. The guard is expected to serve as the lead playmaker for Real Madrid. Teammates including Bronny James, Adou Thiero, and Jake LaRavia publicly offered their support for the transition on social media. Meanwhile, Bronny James remains with the Los Angeles Lakers following the departure of his father, LeBron James, from the organization. James' contract remains fully guaranteed for the 2026-27 season as he continues his career independently of his father.
- •Nick Smith Jr. signed a one-year contract with Real Madrid.
- •The Los Angeles Lakers declined Smith's team option earlier this offseason.
- •Smith averaged 7.6 points per game over three NBA seasons.
- •Bronny James remains with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season.
- •LeBron James informed the team he would not return for the upcoming season.
- 2:25 PMYahoo Sports — Bronny James Reacts After Lakers Guard Heads To Real Madrid
- 10:34 PMYahoo Sports — Bronny James reacts to latest Lakers free agent signing elsewhere
"Bronny James had a quick message for a former Los Angeles Lakers teammate after Nick Smith Jr. found his next stop overseas. Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid after the Lakers declined his $2.5 million team option in June. Smith’s NBA path took another turn at just 22. Real Madrid gives [...]
"Nick Smith Jr. is no longer a Laker. The guard signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid in the Euroleague, where Luka Doncic played before making his transition to the...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 2:25 PMBronny James Reacts After Lakers Guard Heads To Real Madrid
Bronny James had a quick message for a former Los Angeles Lakers teammate after Nick Smith Jr. found his next stop overseas. Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid after the Lakers declined his $2.5 million team option in June. Smith’s NBA path took another turn at just 22. Real Madrid gives [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 10:34 PMBronny James reacts to latest Lakers free agent signing elsewhere
Nick Smith Jr. is no longer a Laker. The guard signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid in the Euroleague, where Luka Doncic played before making his transition to the...
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