NaLyssa Smith injury update: Las Vegas Aces starter out for season

NaLyssa Smith injury update: Las Vegas Aces starter out for season.

Key points

• After the Las Vegas Aces 101-78 win over Connecticut Sun in Las Vegas, Becky Hammon and players answer media questions.
• Becky Hammon, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Stephanie Talbot talk to media after 101-78 win in Las Vegas.
• It is the the third-best in the Western Conference behind the Minnesota Lynx (31-8) and Golden State Valkyries (27-11).
• 2 draft pick out of Baylor landed with the Aces after being traded from Dallas for a 2027 first-round pick in June, 2025.
• Smith sustained the non-contact injury during a 88-78 win over the the Toronto Tempo on Sunday, Aug.

Starting forward NaLyssa Smith is out for the season with a left leg injury, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces confirmed on Thursday.

For context, the team did not disclose specifics regarding her diagnosis or treatment plan. She was not seen at Thursday's practice and Aces coach Becky Hammon did not answer questions regarding her status.

Smith sustained the non-contact injury during a 88-78 win over the the Toronto Tempo on Sunday, Aug. 23. When she exited the game with 3: 15 mark of the third quarter, she was shooting 4-of-4 from the field.

Smith was in the midst of one of the best seasons of her career, averaging 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 37 games this season. She was leading the league in field goal percentage at 63.8%.

Notably, the 2022 No. 2 draft pick out of Baylor landed with the Aces after being traded from Dallas for a 2027 first-round pick in June, 2025.

Without Smith, even more pressure will fall on Aces star A'ja Wilson. This person is favored to win an unprecedented fifth MVP while averaging 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game this season.

Veteran forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is the most obvious replacement in the Aces' starting lineup, lately returned from missing 10 games due to a concussion. The Aces additionally have reserve front court options in Brianna Turner and Justine Pissott.

Entering Thursday, the Aces have a 26-13 record. It is the the third-best in the Western Conference behind the Minnesota Lynx (31-8) and Golden State Valkyries (27-11).

In practice, the Aces will host the Toronto Tempo again on Friday in their final game before the break for the FIBA World Cup. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, naLyssa Smith injury update: Las Vegas Aces starter out for season remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.