Bronny James praises Nick Smith Jr.’s move to Real Madrid

Nick Smith Jr. is officially heading overseas, having signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid in the Euroleague. The Euroleague is where NBA superstar Luka Doncic played before making his transition to the NBA, and Smith is set to take on a major role as the team’s lead guard.

Smith shared the exciting news on Instagram, posting a picture of himself in his Real Madrid uniform. His former teammate Bronny James was quick to show his support, commenting on the post: “Damn thats fire bro be great!!!” Other Lakers players, including Adou Thiero and Jake LaRavia, also chimed in with supportive messages, with Thiero writing, “Get to it brudda,” and LaRavia adding, “Yea nick.”

Smith entered free agency after the Lakers declined his team option for the upcoming season. Over his three NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets and the Lakers, the former first-round pick averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes per game. He is now set to take on a lead guard role with Real Madrid after spending the last few years carving out a key bench role in the NBA.

As for Bronny James, his future with the Lakers continues to evolve. His $2.3 million contract with the team became fully guaranteed just one day before his father, LeBron James, informed the Lakers that he would not return for the 2026-27 season, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers instead.

Now stepping out of his father’s shadow, Bronny James has a prime opportunity to establish himself and blossom into his own NBA player wearing the Purple-and-Gold.

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