By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nick Smith Jr. is nearing a deal with Real Madrid, as reported by insider Chema de Lucas on Saturday.
The 22-year-old guard, who was selected 27th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, is poised to make the jump overseas after standard NBA opportunities stalled this summer. Over his short stint in the league based in North America, Smith Jr. showcased legitimate microwave scoring potential, averaging nearly double-digit figures during his sophomore year with the Charlotte Hornets, before transferring that spark to the Los Angeles Lakers. He split time on a two-way contract with the Lakers last season, lighting up the G League at roughly 20 points per game while making waves on the main roster as a sharp, foul-free bucket-getter with 5.6 points per game over 36 appearances. Overall, he has played 147 NBA games, including six in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
After the Lakers declined his team option in late June to save cap space, the explosive scorer became an unrestricted free agent, ultimately looking to Europe for his next major career chapter. Transitioning across the Atlantic presents an immediate trial by fire for the young backcourt weapon, as EuroLeague competition requires elite tactical awareness and perimeter consistency. Joining the Spanish giants will demand rapid adjustment to a more rigorous, team-oriented brand of basketball.
Los Blancos are currently preparing to launch their official fixtures on the 2026–27 schedule, including their EuroLeague opener against Dubai at Coca-Cola Arena on September 24.
ÚLTIMA HORA: Nick Smith Jr. (1.88 m.; 22 a.), a punto de fichar por el Real Madrid. Número 27 del Draft de 2023, ha pasado por Hornets y Lakers.
BREAKING: Nick Smith Jr. (1.88 m.; 22 y.o.) is close to a deal with Real Madrid.
— Chema de Lucas (@chemadelucas) September 12, 2026
The former Arkansas standout would provide critical shot-creation into a deep rotation as the club aims to secure regional and international silverware. The current powerhouse roster features Alberto Abalde, Facundo Campazzo, Gaby Deck, Andres Feliz, Usman Garuba, Mikael Jantunen, Damian Jones, Sergio Llull, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Theo Maledon, Chuma Okeke, Jaime Pradilla, Gabriele Procida, Olivier Sarr, Max Shulga, and Walter Tavares, under the guidance of head coach Pedro Martinez.
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