Former
As of midday Tuesday, Smith remained in custody with no bond set. Representatives for the former professional athlete have not yet provided a comment regarding the situation. The arrest occurred after Royse City authorities were alerted to a warrant issued by the Southlake Police Department.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Context
Royse City Police Chief Kirk Aldridge confirmed that officers identified Smith while he was traveling on Interstate 30, northeast of Dallas. The vehicle, which was being driven by Smith with his brother as a passenger, was stopped by law enforcement. Following the arrest, the vehicle was released to Smith's brother. A spokesperson for the Southlake Police Department stated that no further information regarding the nature of the warrant or the specific allegations could be released at this time.
Smith, who enjoyed a 16-season career in the NBA, last played professionally in 2020 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he represented the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Lakers, maintaining career averages of 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. A two-time NBA champion, he was also recognized as the league's Sixth Man of the Year in 2013.
This is not Smith's first encounter with the legal system. In 2009, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail—with 60 days suspended—and 500 hours of community service following a 2007 car accident that resulted in the death of a friend. At the time of his sentencing, Smith expressed deep remorse for the incident. Since concluding his professional basketball career, Smith transitioned to collegiate athletics, playing golf for North Carolina A&T and graduating from the institution in May.
