Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Smith Jr. has signed a one-year contract with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, a move facilitated by a direct recommendation from Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. The deal was confirmed by Real Madrid basketball director Juan Carlos Sanchez, who detailed Doncic's influence in convincing the free agent to head to Europe.
Juan Carlos Sanchez explained that Doncic provided a glowing review of Smith from their time as Lakers teammates. The Slovenian star also contacted Smith personally to advocate for the move to Madrid. "Luka Doncic spoke fantastically about him," Sanchez said. "He also reached out to him directly." Doncic's pitch focused on Real Madrid's professional environment, describing it as the closest experience to an NBA franchise outside the United States. He assured Smith about playing time, development, and keeping future NBA options open.
Sanchez called Smith "the hardest signing we've ever had to pull off," noting negotiations lasted at least twenty days. The club persistently communicated with Smith, his agents, and even his girlfriend before finally securing the agreement. Sanchez believes the decision benefits both the player and the club, aiming to help Smith unlock his full potential on the court.
Nick Smith Jr. Entered the league as the 27th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft. Across two seasons with Charlotte, he appeared in only 11 games, averaging 8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, seeking a fresh start. In 30 appearances for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season, Smith averaged 6.2 points and one assist per game, shooting 43.5% from the field.
He also saw action with the Lakers' G-League affiliate, posting stronger numbers alongside prospects like Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Despite this, Smith was unable to secure a guaranteed roster spot for the upcoming NBA season, opening the door for his European move. His new role at Real Madrid is projected to be significant, with reports indicating he will serve as the team's lead guard.
The Lakers' front office is continually evaluating roster construction as the team builds momentum.
Player movement is a constant, and the departure of end-of-bench players like Smith for opportunities abroad is a standard part of NBA business. The Lakers' focus remains on optimizing their roster for championship contention, with every transaction scrutinized for its impact on the team's depth and chemistry. As one player exits, attention turns to how the organization will fill that developmental slot, whether through free agency, the draft, or internal promotion.
