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MOSTMAGAZINELaRon Smith%u2019s basketball journey is one of resilience, adventure, and unexpected twists that led him to a life he never imagined. A graduate of Auburn University, LaRon embarked on a professional career that took him across continents, immersing him in diverse cultures, extreme climates, and personal trials that would shape the man he is today.His first stop was China, where he played preseason with a CBA team in 2017. From there, he moved to Mexico%u2014a wild and unforgettable experience. After a year in Mexico, LaRon continued his journey in Cyprus, followed by a stint in Bulgaria. Playing in Bulgaria was a cultural shock, but nothing compared to what came next%u2014Sweden. In 2019, he found himself in the northernmost part of the country, experiencing the coldest temperatures he had ever known. But his time there was cut short by a heartbreaking tragedy: the passing of his brother.Just a month after this loss, a beacon of light entered his life%u2014his daughter was born. Determined to push forward, LaRon resumed his career in C%u00f3rdoba, Argentina, in early 2020. However, just as he was regaining his footing, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, halting the season and forcing him to return home. The months that followed were some of the toughest in his life, as he navigated grief while adjusting to fatherhood. The strain of the pandemic also led to the end of his relationship with his daughter%u2019s mother, making the period even more challenging.As the world began to reopen in October 2020, LaRon took an opportunity to play in northern Spain. He had a successful season and was preparing to return to the U.S. to take a shot at the NBA G League. However, fate had other plans. A phone call from a friend presented him with an unexpected opportunity%u2014playing in Ibiza. At the time, he had never even heard of Ibiza. But after hearing it described as a mix between Miami and Las Vegas, he did some research and was instantly intrigued. Without hesitation, he signed his contract and made the move.Ibiza turned out to be more than just a new basketball destination; it was where his life took a profound turn. Within his first week on the island, he met the woman who would become his wife. Their connection was instantaneous%u2014they moved in together the following week and have been inseparable ever since.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 77 39