If he does, it’s not without risk and potential reward. Here’s why.
Last Tuesday, the Lakers’ Avery Bradley opted out of the NBA’s Orlando restart. It’s no minor decision, either. Bradley started 44 games last year, averaging 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game.
The front runner to take over for Bradley is free agent J.R Smith, formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers. But Smith isn’t a plug-and-play replacement. He hasn’t played since the 2018~2019 season. And even though Smith was an excellent player in his prime, but now he’s 35 years old.
Courtesy: Twitter.com
The main argument for Smith’s return is LeBron James. The two were teammates in Cleveland, where they won it all in 2016. That chemistry counts, even though Smith was an up-and-down performer in Cleveland.
On the plus side, Smith won the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year award. On the downside, he’ll be forever known for making a colossal blunder in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals v. the Warriors. At the game’s end, Smith ran out the clock thinking the Cavaliers were leading. They weren’t. Even before that mistake (and certainly after), fans have questioned J.R’s ability the think when the pressure is on.
Still, though, don’t be surprised if the Lakers sign Smith. A 37% career 3-point shooter, he can score and help open the paint for LeBron and AD. Smith is a decent outside defender, too.
J.R. Smith would come to the Lakers with pluses and minuses. But, at day’s end, he just might help LBJ get that 4th ring.
