From California Post · · 1m 30s
Nick Smith Jr. trades the NBA for Real Madrid
A 2023 first-round pick just left the league behind for a starring guard job in the Euroleague.
In brief
A 2023 first-round pick just left the league behind for a starring guard job in the Euroleague. When the NBA stops offering real minutes, a lead role in Europe can be the better career move. Originally reported by California Post.
Lakers let him walk
Los Angeles declined Nick Smith Jr.'s team option for the 2026-27 season, worth $2.5 million. That made the 22-year-old guard an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Madrid signs him instead
Smith agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. Klutch Sports agents Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews put it together.
“Free agent guard Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid”
From bench to lead guard
He averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes over three NBA seasons with the Hornets and Lakers. In the Euroleague he becomes Real Madrid's primary guard.
“He'll be Real Madrid's lead guard.”
A two-way turned real
Charlotte waived him, and the Lakers picked him up on a two-way deal in September 2025. In April 2026 they converted it to a standard contract so he could play in the postseason.
Injuries opened the door
That playoff conversion came after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves got hurt. His best Lakers night was 25 points and six assists in a Nov. 3 win over Portland.
A prospect changes course
The Hornets took him 27th overall in the 2023 draft. Nobody has confirmed whether NBA offers came, but after years of chasing a bench-scoring role, he picked Spain.
The key point
When the NBA stops offering real minutes, a lead role in Europe can be the better career move.
