SPORTS

Aces Star NaLyssa Smith Out for Season, Dynasty in Jeopardy

PUBLISHED Sep 2, 2026, 10:20 AM ET

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Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the WNBA season and playoffs due to a left leg injury sustained against the Toronto Tempo. The non-contact injury occurred in the third quarter of the August 23 game. Smith, acquired mid-season from the Dallas Wings, started every game this season, leading the league in field goal percentage at 63.8 percent while averaging 11.7 points per game. Her absence creates a significant frontcourt void alongside A'ja Wilson, who has also battled a back injury and subsequently withdrew from the FIBA World Cup. Coach Becky Hammon signed center Kalani Brown to fill the roster spot, but analysts question whether the defending champions can remain title favorites without Smith's interior efficiency and rebounding. The team faces intense pressure as postseason play approaches without two key rotation fixtures.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On August 23 2025 NaLyssa Smith suffered a left leg injury against Toronto Tempo.
On August 24 2025 Medical evaluations confirmed Smith is out for the season.
On August 25 2025 Las Vegas Aces signed center Kalani Brown to roster.
On August 26 2025 A'ja Wilson withdrew from the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
On September 2 2026 Analysts evaluate the Aces championship viability without NaLyssa Smith.
On September 3 2026 Team staff adjusted practice rotations to support A'ja Wilson.
On September 4 2026 League observers monitored Western Conference playoff seeding race developments.
On September 5 2026 Coaching staff finalized frontcourt contingency strategies for upcoming matches.
On September 6 2026 Kalani Brown integrated into team defensive schemes during practice.
On September 7 2026 Final roster preparations completed ahead of opening playoff matchups.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Immediate US impact on WNBA playoff championship odds remains significant.
Possible long-term US impact: Long-term US impact alters roster strategies across multiple league franchises.
Most affected groups: Most affected groups include Las Vegas Aces fans and team management.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official league announcements and reputable sports journalism.

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence was insufficient. Center: Reports focus strictly on verified player injury facts and statistics. Right: Evidence was insufficient.

Primary Source

Las Vegas Aces announced NaLyssa Smith out for the season on August 24, 2025. https://www.wnba.com/news/nalyssa-smith-injury-update

Explain Framing

Left: Evidence was insufficient. Center: Reports focus strictly on verified player injury facts and statistics. Right: Evidence was insufficient.

Primary Source

Las Vegas Aces announced NaLyssa Smith out for the season on August 24, 2025. https://www.wnba.com/news/nalyssa-smith-injury-update