The Lakers saw many free agents find new homes this offseason.
Nick Smith Jr. is no exception. After the Lakers declined his team option for the 2026-27 season this summer, Smith became an unrestricted free agent.
Nick Smith Jr. of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a foul shot during the second half of a game against the Phoenix Suns. Getty Images
The guard has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. Klutch Sports agents Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews negotiated the deal.
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Smith averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes across three NBA seasons with the Hornets and Lakers. Now, he’ll be Real Madrid’s primary guard in the Euroleague.
The Lakers initially signed Smith to a two-way contract in September 2025 after he was waived by Charlotte. In April 2026, the team converted Smith’s deal into a standard NBA contract to make him eligible for the playoffs following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Lakers declined Nick Smith’s team option this offseason. NBAE via Getty Images
Nick Smith Jr. was drafted by the Hornets in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
While Smith provided backcourt depth for the Lakers last season, LA declined his $2.5 million team option. His most memorable moment as a Laker was when he had 25 points and six assists in a thrilling Nov. 3 win against the Trail Blazers.
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The 22-year-old was once a highly touted prospect: The Hornets drafted the guard 27th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. There’s no confirmation that Smith didn’t receive an NBA opportunity in free agency, but it appears he’s chosen to play overseas for Real Madrid after attempting to carve out a role as a bench-scorer stateside.
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