The growth of the EuroLeague has brought us to this moment. While financially it has been noted at times that the competition is not yet fully profitable, it is also clear that the clubs that comprise it have seen their financial potential rise to the point where the exodus of mid-tier NBA players to the Old Continent has become more than common. Well, the latest to cross the Atlantic is Nick Smith Jr. to join Real Madrid.
In a report advanced by Chema de Lucas and confirmed by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, we learn that the guard has sealed his arrival in the Spanish capital with a one-year contract, as his agents, Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports, confirmed to the aforementioned American journalist.
Nick Smith Jr. arrives at Real Madrid with star status. It is clear that he has not filled that role during the three years he has spent in the NBA thus far, but likewise there is potential that can be attributed to him with an eye toward Europe, as he has logged several games scoring over 20 points.
Selected 27th overall in the 2023 draft by the Charlotte Hornets, this Arkansas-raised youngster spent his first two seasons with North Carolina before signing with the Lakers. In total, he has appeared in 141 games, averaging 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes per night.
Nick Smith Jr., a need for Madrid
Already during the 2025-26 campaign, the team then led by Sergio Scariolo—with Pedro Martínez taking over as the new head coach—lacked variety and a certain playmaking ability in its backcourt. Throughout the summer, that need remained, and the club was determined to address it, something they are now aiming to do with a 22-year-old who has the potential to make a difference from day one.
