Three championships in four seasons had turned the Las Vegas Aces into the standard everyone else was chasing. Another title was within sight, with the playoffs just around the corner and the Aces once again looking like a team built for a deep run. But just when the picture was beginning to come together, a major piece was suddenly taken off the board.
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NaLyssa Smith, one of Las Vegas’ most reliable starters, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. For a team with championship expectations, the timing could hardly be more unsettling. Here’s what is happening: the Aces have now confirmed that Smith will not return for the rest of the campaign, leaving a noticeable hole as the postseason approaches. And it goes without saying the media would react to such a big story.
WNBA reporter and podcast host, Myles Ehrlich, took to X, writing, “Awful. A terrific (and super-efficient) season cut short for Lyss. Sending her the best in recovery.”
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe also reacted to the news, writing, “Ugh tough news for Aces.”
According to reports, Smith suffered a non-contact left leg injury on Sunday when the Aces secured an 88-78 win over the Toronto Tempo.
The injury came with just over three minutes left in the third quarter, as Smith was running in transition after Jackie Young sent a pass her way.
Smith went up to grab the ball, but as soon as she came back down, her left leg immediately buckled, sending the Aces forward to the floor.
She immediately grabbed her leg in visible pain before she eventually had to be helped off the court, where she wasn’t able to put weight on the injured leg. Her absence will now leave the Las Vegas Aces concerned. After all, Smith was one of the most important pieces of what made this team work.
Through 38 appearances this season, the 26-year-old was averaging 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting a career-best 63.8% from the field. Her scoring average is the best it’s been since 2023.
Her rebounding mark has also been her highest since 2024. But these numbers become even more important when considering the role she played alongside A’ja Wilson.
With opposing defenses constantly focused on the four-time MVP, NaLyssa Smith found ways to make an impact without needing the ball in her hands. Her cutting, activity around the basket, and ability to attack the offensive glass gave Las Vegas another way to punish defenses. And that rebounding impact could be the biggest thing the Aces miss.
Las Vegas has already struggled to create second-chance opportunities this season, and Smith was one of its most reliable offensive rebounders. Her absence leaves a significant void next to Wilson, particularly against teams that can punish the Aces on the glass.
The question now is how coach Becky Hammon plans to fill it
Brianna Turner and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are the two most obvious internal options. Turner can bring defensive value, but on the offensive side she has been limited, whereas Parker-Tyus provides more scoring, but she has had her fair share of struggles defensively.
The Aces could also lean into smaller lineups, with Wilson continuing to anchor the middle while players such as Jewell Loyd take on a bigger role alongside her.
According to Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic, Las Vegas has already received a season-ending injury exception for NaLyssa Smith. This allows the Aces to sign a free agent on a minimum contract to help fill the void. However, the timing will make that search difficult.
The Aces were reportedly in the mix for DeWanna Bonner, but the veteran ultimately chose the Atlanta Dream. That leaves Las Vegas with little room for error heading into the postseason.
The Aces currently sit third in the standings and have a favorable schedule remaining, so Smith’s absence may not derail their regular-season position. But once the playoffs begin, replacing an efficient scorer, rebounder, and versatile frontcourt piece becomes a much bigger challenge.
Las Vegas still has A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray leading the way. But if the Aces are serious about completing another championship run, they will need to find a way to make up for what NaLyssa Smith brought to the floor.