Nick Smith Jr. is taking his profession abroad, and his former Lakers teammates made positive to ship him off with some encouragement.
After Los Angeles declined his workforce choice earlier this summer time, Smith entered free company on the lookout for his subsequent alternative.
As a substitute of remaining within the NBA, the previous first-round choose determined to hitch Actual Madrid on a one-year contract.
The transfer represents a significant change for Smith, who spent three seasons within the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and Lakers.
He averaged 7.6 factors in 17.5 minutes per recreation throughout that stretch however was primarily utilized in a reserve function.
His scenario ought to look significantly totally different in Spain.
Smith is predicted to deal with lead-guard obligations for Actual Madrid, giving him a chance to play a a lot bigger function for the EuroLeague membership the place Luka Doncic developed earlier than coming into the NBA.
Smith celebrated the signing by posting a photograph in his new uniform on Instagram, prompting a number of Lakers gamers to reply.
Bronny James was among the many first to congratulate him.
“Rattling thats hearth bro be nice!!!” James commented on Smith’s submit.
Adou Thiero supplied his assist as nicely, writing, “Get to it brudda,” whereas Jake LaRavia added, “Yea nick.”
Whereas Smith is heading to Europe, Bronny is getting ready for a special form of transition in Los Angeles.
He’ll stay with the Lakers after his $2.3 million contract grew to become totally assured, however he’ll now not share the group together with his father.
LeBron James knowledgeable Los Angeles that he would depart the franchise earlier than finally becoming a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
That creates a brand new scenario for Bronny, who now has a chance to proceed growing with the Lakers with out his father on the roster.
