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Bronny James Reacts After Lakers Guard Heads To Real Madrid
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- Bronny James Reacts After Lakers Guard Heads To Real Madrid
Bronny James had a quick message for a former Los Angeles Lakers teammate after Nick Smith Jr. found his next stop overseas. Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid after the Lakers declined his $2.5 million team option in June.
Smith's NBA path took another turn at just 22. Real Madrid gives the former first-round pick a chance to take on a larger role after three seasons split between the Charlotte Hornets and Lakers.
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Bronny James Checks In On Nick Smith Jr.
Smith shared a photo about his move on Instagram, and Bronny responded in the comments. The two guards spent last season together in Los Angeles , where Smith appeared in 30 regular-season games and averaged 6.2 points while shooting 39.5% from three.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) reacts in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"Damn that's fire bro be great!!!" Bronny James wrote .
The message was short, but it came as Smith moved into a very different basketball situation. He is leaving the NBA for one of Europe's biggest clubs, where he is expected to serve as Real Madrid's lead guard. Michael Scotto reported that Smith's agents confirmed the one-year agreement.
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Smith was the No. 27 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and played 111 games over two seasons in Charlotte before joining the Lakers. He spent much of last season between Los Angeles and the G League before the Lakers converted his deal to a standard contract in April.
Bronny James Is Staying While Smith Takes A New Route
The move also highlights how differently the two young guards are entering the 2026-27 season. Bronny remains on the Lakers' roster, while Smith is taking on a larger challenge in the EuroLeague with Real Madrid.
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gives the ball to guard Bronny James (9) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Smith showed flashes as a scorer during his time in Los Angeles, but his opportunities were limited by a crowded backcourt. The Lakers also had to make a financial decision on his contract, ultimately declining the option that would have kept him under team control for the coming season.
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Real Madrid can offer Smith something the Lakers could not guarantee. He should have a clearer path to regular minutes and more responsibility with the ball, giving him a chance to build a stronger case for another NBA opportunity later.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and father LeBron James (23) in the first half against the Utah Jazz at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That makes Bronny's message more fitting than it first appears. Smith is not walking away from basketball after leaving Los Angeles. He is taking another route at an age when there is still plenty of time to reshape his career.
Bronny will continue trying to carve out his own role in Los Angeles. Smith will now try to do the same across the Atlantic.
Their paths have split, but Bronny made sure the Lakers connection did not end quietly.
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