# 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.
- Title: Nick Smith Jr. trades the NBA for Real Madrid | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: nba, lakers, real madrid, euroleague, free agency, news, entertainment, Nick, Smith, trades, Real, Madrid
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/12/sports/lakers-free-agent-signs-with-real-madrid-in-surprise-twist
- Published: 2026-09-12T20:55:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nba, lakers, real madrid, euroleague, free agency, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

When the NBA stops offering real minutes, a lead role in Europe can be the better career move.