Could Nick Smith Jr. continue his career overseas? He’s reportedly close to signing with Real Madrid, Sportando relays via Chema de Lucas.

Smith hit the free agent market after the Lakers declined their option on his 2026/27 contract in late June.

Smith, the 27th pick in the 2023 draft, spent nearly the entire 2025/26 season on a two-way contract with the Lakers before being promoted to the 15-man roster just ahead of the playoffs to make him postseason-eligible. The 22-year-old guard appeared in 30 regular -season games and provided a little scoring punch off the bench, averaging 6.2 points in 12.5 minutes per contest while making 39.5% of his three-point tries.

Smith also played 18 G League games (29.2 MPG) with the team’s affiliate in South Bay, averaging 19.7 PPG, 5.0 APG and 3.6 RPG on .498/.370/.683 shooting splits.

Smith spent his first two seasons with Charlotte, which drafted him out of Arkansas. Smith appeared in 111 games with the Hornets over his first two seasons. Smith signed a two-way deal with the Lakers last September, a few days after he was waived by the Hornets.