Nick Smith Jr reveals what ex-Lakers teammate Luka Doncic admitted about the NBA after sealing Real Madrid move

Smith Jr has signed with EuroLeague side Real Madrid, the team where Luka Doncic made his name as a teenager before entering the NBA Draft.

Upon his unveiling at Real Madrid, the 22-year-old said that Luka Doncic always spoke highly of his time in Spain. He also claims that Doncic said the NBA was easier.

Smith Jr said: “It didn’t influence my decision, but he always talked about Real Madrid, the EuroLeague, and everything it represents. He always said the NBA was much easier. He talked about it a lot, and I took it as a personal challenge. I’ll write to him soon to ask him many things about the city. I’m sure he’s happy for me.”

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Nick Smith Jr excited for new challenge

Nick Smith Jr was a first round pick with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 and played 111 times for the Eastern Conference side, including 27 starts.

After joining the Lakers in 2025, Smith Jr played 30 times. He had a bright start including a 25-point display against Portland, but did not feature during their playoff run.

He became a free agent in the summer and admitted that a move to Spain had not been on his radar before he received the offer.

“I didn’t consider it until last month when the opportunity arose. I had never been to Madrid before, but knowing the club’s history, the coach, and the players who have been here, it was an easy decision. I wanted to come here to play, adapt quickly, and win.”

Smith averaged 6.2 points per game for the Lakers during his limited minutes, and has a 7.6 ppg career average. His best career return was the 28 points he scored in a game for the Hornets against the Raptors in 2025.

At least he knows from Doncic’s advice that his spell in Spain is unlikely to be easy.

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