The Las Vegas Aces have lost one of their most important frontcourt players for the remainder of the season.
NaLyssa Smith will miss the rest of the 2026 campaign after suffering a non-contact left leg injury, the Aces announced Thursday. The team did not disclose the specific injury or whether Smith will require surgery.
Smith suffered the injury Sunday against the Toronto Tempo. With 3:15 remaining in the third quarter, the forward went down while attempting to corral a pass from Jackie Young in transition. Smith was unable to put weight on her left leg and was helped off the court, ending her night after she recorded eight points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Aces will now look to the market for a replacement, with the team able to apply for a Season-Ending Injury Exception under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement. The exception allows a team with a player who has suffered a qualifying season-ending injury to sign a replacement player, provided the WNBA grants the request.
The process begins with the Aces applying to the league. A physician designated by the WNBA then determines whether the injury qualifies as season-ending. If approved, the exception becomes available and must be used within seven days or it expires, giving Las Vegas a limited window to find a player who can help fill Smith’s role.
Smith’s absence leaves a significant hole for the Aces. She averaged 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 63.8% from the field this season and started all 38 games before the injury.
With the playoffs approaching, Las Vegas will now have to determine whether it can adequately replace that production internally or use the exception to add another frontcourt option beside A’ja Wilson.
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