Nick Smith Jr. is taking his career overseas, and his former Lakers teammates made sure to send him off with some encouragement.
After Los Angeles declined his team option earlier this summer, Smith entered free agency looking for his next opportunity.
Instead of remaining in the NBA, the former first-round pick decided to join Real Madrid on a one-year contract.
The move represents a major change for Smith, who spent three seasons in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and Lakers.
He averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes per game during that stretch but was primarily used in a reserve role.
His situation should look considerably different in Spain.
Smith is expected to handle lead-guard responsibilities for Real Madrid, giving him an opportunity to play a much larger role for the EuroLeague club where Luka Doncic developed before entering the NBA.
Smith celebrated the signing by posting a photo in his new uniform on Instagram, prompting several Lakers players to respond.
Bronny James was among the first to congratulate him.
“Damn thats fire bro be great!!!” James commented on Smith’s post.
Adou Thiero offered his support as well, writing, “Get to it brudda,” while Jake LaRavia added, “Yea nick.”
While Smith is heading to Europe, Bronny is preparing for a different kind of transition in Los Angeles.
He will remain with the Lakers after his $2.3 million contract became fully guaranteed, but he will no longer share the organization with his father.
LeBron James informed Los Angeles that he would leave the franchise before eventually joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
That creates a new situation for Bronny, who now has an opportunity to continue developing with the Lakers without his father on the roster.
