Ex-Lakers $8M explosive combo-guard signs with Real Madrid after parting ways with LA this summer image
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a ton of offseason moves, and their roster this season is going to look a lot different. A big reason for this is that it is officially the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves era in LA.
LeBron James was the biggest player the Lakers let walk this summer. They also declined the second year of Nick Smith Jr.’s contract.
“The Lakers declined Nick Smith Jr.’s $2.5 million team option for the 2026-27 season, making the guard an unrestricted free agent. The decision, which was first reported by ESPN, will help give the Lakers over $50 million in cap space entering free agency on Tuesday,” California Post’s Khobi Price wrote.
LA letting go of Smith was due to the large roster crunch they have found themselves in. It is just unfortunate for Smith, as he was signed in April to a two-way deal.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract, agent Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports told ESPN on Sunday. With star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the Lakers are adding backcourt depth for the playoffs,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
He was a good depth addition for the Lakers and was great when needed. He could score from the mid-range at a very efficient clip. However, the guard room was just too crowded. Smith will be taking his talents to Real Madrid after signing a contract.
“Free agent guard Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid, agents Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports told hoopshype. He averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes during three NBA seasons with the Hornets and Lakers. He’ll be Real Madrid’s lead guard,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote.
The former Arkansas star will be heading overseas to hopefully jolt his career in a positive direction. This by no means is the end of his NBA career, but it is a great chance to possibly boost his role when he gets another opportunity.
Smith made $8 million in his early NBA career. Smith can get to his spots very well. His defensive tenacity is also what makes him attractive to teams, so this is a prove-it type of deal.
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