Aces' NaLyssa Smith to miss rest of season with leg injury
Las Vegas Aces starting forward NaLyssa Smith will miss the rest of the 2026 WNBA season after suffering a non-contact left leg injury during the third quarter of an August 23 road win at Toronto. The defending champions confirmed the news on August 27, leaving Las Vegas without a key starter as it chases another title. The club then signed veteran center Kalani Brown on August 29 to help fill the sudden frontcourt void.
Key Takeaways
- NaLyssa Smith suffered a non-contact left leg injury in the third quarter on August 23 and was ruled out for the season on August 27.
- Smith averaged 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds on 63.8% shooting in 38 starts for Las Vegas this season.
- The Aces signed 6-foot-7 center Kalani Brown on August 29 to replace Smith in the frontcourt.
- Las Vegas sits at 27-13 and is projected to face the New York Liberty in the first round of the playoffs.
- Coach Becky Hammon will lean on Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Brown when play resumes September 17 after the FIBA World Cup break.
What Happened to NaLyssa Smith?
Smith went down during a fastbreak at the 3:15 mark of the third quarter in an 88-78 road win at Toronto on August 23. She tangled her left leg under herself on a non-contact play going to the basket and had to be helped off the court.
The Aces did not release further specifics about the injury. On August 27, the team confirmed Smith would miss the remainder of the season.
Before the setback, the 26-year-old had started 38 games and was among the league's most efficient scorers. She was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft out of Baylor and helped Las Vegas win the 2025 WNBA title, starting all 12 playoff games after arriving in a June 30 trade.
How Will the Aces Replace NaLyssa Smith?
Las Vegas moved quickly. On August 29, the Aces announced the signing of Kalani Brown, a 6-foot-7 center who last played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2025. Brown became an unrestricted free agent after a buyout in April and had been playing in China with the Shanxi Flame.
Aces president and general manager Nikki Fargas praised Brown's defensive versatility, paint presence, and rebounding. Brown was already in Las Vegas and attended the Aces' 97-73 home win over Toronto on August 28.
Coach Becky Hammon also highlighted veteran forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who scored nine points in 12 minutes in that game after returning from a concussion that had sidelined her. "Cheyenne is going to be a big part of moving forward with no Smith," Hammon said.
What Does This Mean for Las Vegas' Title Defense?
The Aces entered the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup break at 27-13, with A'ja Wilson leading a 26.0-point, 9.4-rebound MVP-caliber season. Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray are on the U.S. World Cup roster while the league pauses.
When WNBA play resumes September 17, Las Vegas has four regular-season games left before the postseason. Yahoo Sports projects a first-round matchup with the New York Liberty. Fan reaction to the Brown signing was immediate, with one observer writing that Vegas is "collecting talent like it's a cheat code."
For more roster moves and league updates, follow our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage. Full details on Smith's injury are available via ESPN.