Starting forward NaLyssa Smith is out for the season with a left leg injury, the defending champion Las Vegas Acesannounced on Thursday.
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 about 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%.
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, who 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, recently returned from missing 10 games due to a concussion. The Aces also have reserve front court options in Brianna Turner and Justine Pissott.
Entering Thursday, the Aces have a 26-13 record, which is the the third-best in the Western Conference behind the Minnesota Lynx (31-8) and Golden State Valkyries (27-11).
The Aces will host the Toronto Tempo again on Friday in their final game before the break for the FIBA World Cup.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NaLyssa Smith injury update: Las Vegas Aces starter out for season
