Nick Smith Jr. is no longer a Laker.
The guard signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid in the Euroleague, where Luka Doncic played before making his transition to the NBA.
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
Smith posted the news on Instagram with a picture of himself in his Real Madrid uniform. He was congratulated by Bronny James.
“Damn thats fire bro be great!!!” James commented on Smith’s post.
Other Lakers were also supportive of Smith’s overseas move with Adou Thiero and Jake LaRavia also commenting on the post.
“Get to it brudda,” Thiero wrote.
“Yea nick,” LaRavia wrote.
Bronny James’ contract with the Lakers became fully guaranteed the day before LeBron James informed the Lakers he would leave the organization. Getty Images
Smith entered free agency after the Lakers declined his team option for the upcoming season. The former first-round pick averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes across three NBA seasons with the Hornets and Lakers.
He is set to be Real Madrid’s lead guard after spending the last three years carving out a bench role in the NBA.
As for James, his tenure with the Lakers continues despite his father signing with the 76ers. James’ $2.3 million contract with the team became fully guaranteed the day before LeBron James informed the Lakers he would not return with them for the 2026-27 season.
Bronny James will continue his Lakers tenure without his father, LeBron James. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
Out of his father’s shadow, James has the chance to blossom into his own NBA player donning the Purple-and-Gold.
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