Nick Smith Jr. is heading to Real Madrid, where a larger role could give the former Lakers guard a chance to reset his career.
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. is headed to Spain after agreeing to a one-year deal with Real Madrid, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Smith, 22, entered the offseason as a free agent after spending the 2025-26 season with Los Angeles. His agents confirmed the agreement to Scotto, who reported that Smith is expected to serve as Real Madrid’s lead guard.
The move gives Smith an opportunity to play a much larger role than the one available to him with the Lakers.
It also places him with one of Europe’s most prominent basketball clubs as he tries to establish himself beyond a brief NBA stint.
Smith’s Opportunity Was Limited in Los Angeles
Smith joined the Lakers on a two-way contract in September 2025 before the team converted his deal to a standard NBA contract. He appeared in 30 games during the season, averaging 6.2 points in 12.5 minutes. He shot 43.5% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.
Those numbers showed some promise, particularly from the perimeter. They did not, however, lead to a secure place in Los Angeles’ long-term plans.
Feb 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los AngelesLakersguardNickSmithJr. (20) moves the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesPlaying time in the Lakers’ backcourt was already difficult to find. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves handled the biggest offensive responsibilities, and the team added more guards during the offseason.
For Smith, staying in the NBA likely would have meant competing for a smaller role again.
Real Madrid offers a different path. A lead-guard assignment would give him more chances to run an offense, make decisions with the ball and show how much of his scoring can translate when he plays consistent minutes. That is a meaningful opportunity for a young player whose Lakers appearances mostly came in short stretches.
A Chance to Build His Case
Smith’s departure does not necessarily close the door on an NBA return. At 22, he has time to develop, and a productive year abroad could put him back on teams’ radar.
Jan 7, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los AngelesLakersguardNickSmithJr. (20) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn ImagesThe challenge will be doing more than scoring. If Smith is going to direct Real Madrid’s offense, his decision-making and ability to create for teammates will matter as much as his shooting. A steady season in that role could answer questions that limited NBA minutes could not.
For the Lakers, the signing is a reminder of how quickly their guard rotation has changed. Smith showed flashes in Los Angeles, but the team’s offseason additions left little room for another young guard seeking regular minutes.
He now has a chance to pursue those minutes with Real Madrid. What he does with them will determine whether this becomes a lasting move overseas or the next step toward another NBA opportunity.
