Nick Smith Jr has confirmed his next destination following his time with the LA Lakers.
After splitting his season between the LA Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, Smith Jr is taking his career overseas. He has inked a deal with EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid, the same club where Luka Doncic rose to prominence before entering the NBA Draft.
When introduced to Real Madrid fans, the 22-year-old mentioned that Luka Doncic often praised his experience in Spain and even commented that the NBA was comparatively easier. Smith Jr stated, “It didn’t sway my decision, but Luka frequently spoke about Real Madrid, the EuroLeague, and the prestige it holds. He mentioned the NBA was much simpler. I took that as a personal challenge. I’ll reach out to him soon to ask about the city. I’m sure he supports my move.”
Nick Smith Jr Looks Forward to New Journey
Originally a first-round pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, Smith Jr played 111 games for the Eastern Conference team, starting 27 times. After joining the Lakers in 2025, he appeared in 30 games, highlighted by a strong 25-point performance against Portland, although he did not participate in their postseason run.
Becoming a free agent in the summer, Smith Jr admitted that moving to Spain wasn’t initially on his radar. “I hadn’t considered it until last month when the opportunity came up. I’d never visited Madrid before, but knowing the club’s rich history, the coaching staff, and the caliber of players who have been here made it an easy choice. I’m here to compete, adjust quickly, and win,” he said.
During his stint with the Lakers, Smith averaged 6.2 points per game, holding a career average of 7.6 points per game. His top scoring game remains the 28 points he tallied for the Hornets against the Raptors in 2025.
Thanks to Doncic’s insights, Smith Jr is aware his journey in Spain will be a challenging one.
Fan Take: This move is a fascinating example of rising NBA players exploring opportunities in Europe’s top leagues, highlighting the increasing global nature of basketball. Smith Jr’s transition to Real Madrid could pave the way for more young talent to develop internationally, enriching the sport with diverse experiences and competitive depth.
Source: nbaanalysis.net
