Guard Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with Real Madrid, according to a report from Hoops Hype. The move comes after the Los Angeles Lakers declined his team option for the 2026-27 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Smith Jr. averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes per game across three NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets and the Lakers. He is expected to be Real Madrid's primary guard in the Euroleague.
The Lakers initially signed Smith Jr. to a two-way contract in September 2025, shortly after he was waived by the Hornets. In April 2026, the team converted his deal to a standard NBA contract, making him playoff-eligible following injuries to teammates. His most notable performance for the Lakers was a 25-point, six-assist game on November 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Smith Jr., 22, was a highly regarded prospect, drafted 27th overall by the Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft. While there is no confirmation that he did not receive NBA offers in free agency, his decision to sign with Real Madrid indicates a choice to play overseas after seeking to establish himself as a reserve scorer in the United States.