Aces make surprising NaLyssa Smith roster decision after DiJonai Carrington allegations

NaLyssa Smith was missing from the Las Vegas Aces’ active roster for Tuesday night’s game against the Portland Fire, but the team did not explain the surprising absence. Smith’s omission came just days after Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington publicly accused her former partner of infidelity during the 2025 WNBA season. However, Las Vegas has not said that its roster decision was connected to Carrington’s allegations.

The Aces did not provide an injury designation, disciplinary explanation or any other details when announcing their available players for their first game following the WNBA All-Star break.

“Tonight’s Active Roster,” Las Vegas wrote alongside its roster graphic.

Smith’s name was not included. The timing quickly drew attention because the 25-year-old forward had appeared in all 26 games for the Aces this season. She had been a consistent contributor for a Las Vegas team that entered Tuesday with an 18-8 record.

Aces offer no explanation for NaLyssa Smith’s absence

Carrington made the allegations in a social media post Sunday morning following the conclusion of WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. In the post, Carrington accused Smith of being unfaithful during their relationship and named WNBA players Deja Kelly and Aaliyah Nye. Smith has not publicly responded to the allegations. Kelly and Nye also had not issued public statements as of Tuesday night.

The accusations involve the players’ personal lives, and neither the WNBA nor the Aces had announced an investigation or any disciplinary action stemming from Carrington’s claims. Without further clarification from Las Vegas, it would be premature to conclude that Smith’s absence was related to the allegations. An injury, illness, personal matter or undisclosed team decision could also explain why she was unavailable.

What made the move especially surprising was Smith’s availability throughout the first half of the season. She had not missed a game before the All-Star break.

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Smith has played a major role for Las Vegas

Smith’s absence left the Aces without one of their most productive frontcourt players against Portland. The former No. 2 overall WNBA Draft pick is averaging 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game this season. She has also shot an impressive 66.7 percent from the field, giving Las Vegas an efficient scoring option around the basket.

Smith began her career with the Indiana Fever before spending the 2025 season with the Dallas Wings. She subsequently joined the Aces and established herself as an important piece for one of the Western Conference’s top contenders. Las Vegas hosted Portland at Michelob Ultra Arena on Tuesday night in its first game after the All-Star break.

Smith’s status for future games remains uncertain. Until the Aces or Smith provides more information, the reason for her unexplained absence will remain unclear. The timing ensured the decision would receive attention, but Las Vegas has not confirmed that Smith was suspended, disciplined or removed from the roster because of Carrington’s allegations.

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