Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith ruled out for season

WNBA Las Vegas Aces NaLyssa Smith injury basketball

The Las Vegas Aces have announced that starting forward NaLyssa Smith will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season due to a non-contact left leg injury. The injury occurred during a game against the Toronto Tempo on Sunday.

Smith has been a vital component of the defending champions, averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while leading the league with a 63.8% field goal percentage. Her absence creates a significant void in the Aces' frontcourt, particularly regarding offensive rebounding and interior scoring.

The loss is expected to increase the workload for reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, as opposing defenses may now focus more heavily on her without Smith to provide a secondary interior threat. The Aces have been granted a season-ending injury exemption, allowing them to sign a free agent to fill the roster spot.

Entities

A'ja Wilson · A’ja Wilson · Becky Hammon · Las Vegas Aces · NaLyssa Smith · Toronto Tempo

Sources

Las Vegas Aces lose NaLyssa Smith for season to injury, a major blow to WNBA champs' repeat hopes [www.kaaltv.com]

15 days ago

What's Stopping an Aces Title Repeat? Plus, NaLyssa Smith Injury & DPOY Picks [www.clnsmedia.com]

17 days ago

Loss of NaLyssa Smith Puts Pressure on Aces' Reigning MVP [ballislife.com]

15 days ago

Saison terminée pour NaLyssa Smith [www.basketusa.com]

15 days ago

Deadspin | Aces starter NaLyssa Smith to miss remainder of season [deadspin.com]

15 days ago

NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the season. What now for the Aces’ lineup? [www.nytimes.com]

15 days ago