Former Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, according to agents Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, alongside reporting from Chema de Lucas. The 22-year-old guard enters the European market after hitting free agency when the Los Angeles Lakers declined their option on his contract in late June.
Global Career Path From Arkansas to Madrid
Smith’s move overseas follows three seasons in the NBA split between two franchises. Drafted 27th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Arkansas by the Charlotte Hornets, Smith appeared in 111 games across two seasons in Charlotte. According to data reported by The Rookie Wire, his most productive stint came during the 2024-25 campaign with the Hornets, where he averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
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He spent nearly the entirety of the 2025-26 season with the Lakers’ G League affiliate in South Bay, appearing in 18 games and averaging 19.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.6 rebounds while shooting .498 from the field, .370 from three-point range, and .683 from the free-throw line over 29.2 minutes per contest, as noted by HoopsHype. The Lakers promoted him to the 15-man roster ahead of the playoffs to secure postseason eligibility. In 30 regular-season appearances with Los Angeles, Smith averaged 6.2 points in 12.5 minutes per game while converting 39.5% of his three-point attempts.
Pro Tip: Tracking two-way contract elevations provides early insight into which young rotation guards possess the floor-spacing capabilities required for international and modern NBA schemes alike.
Real Madrid Roster Dynamics and Former NBA Talent
In Madrid, Smith joins a prominent international roster featuring several other players with North American professional experience. According to reporting from The Rookie Wire, the Spanish club’s lineup includes Damian Jones, Chuma Okeke, Usman Garuba, Max Shulga, and Facundo Campazzo. Transitioning to European competition offers Smith an opportunity for consistent minutes and expanded playmaking duties after a season spent primarily developing in the G League.
Did You Know? Nick Smith Jr. was selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft after playing his college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks under head coach Eric Musselman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Nick Smith Jr. play for in the NBA?
Smith played for the Charlotte Hornets for two seasons after being drafted in 2023, and spent the 2025-26 season on a two-way contract and 15-man roster with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Why did Nick Smith Jr. become a free agent?
Smith hit the open market after the Los Angeles Lakers declined their option on his contract in late June.
What were his stats in the NBA G League?
During 18 games with the South Bay Lakers, Smith averaged 19.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game.
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