JR Smith might reunite with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers
On Tuesday, Avery Bradley closed the door on entering the NBA bubble in Orlando in July.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley has opted-out of playing in the NBA’s Orlando restart of the season, Bradley told ESPN on Tuesday night.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2020
At the same time, Bradley might have opened the door for another veteran guard to enter.
Sources: Free agent guard JR Smith is a possibility for the Lakers to sign in wake of Avery Bradley opting not to play in NBA restart. Smith has been in LA working out with several Lakers in past few weeks. He had worked out for the Lakers before they signed guard Dion Waiters.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 24, 2020
Lakers superstar LeBron James and free agent guard JR Smith have a long history, and it looks like that history might get extended, as the NBA plans to finish the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and the Lakers are in-need of Bradley’s replacement.
Bradley said Tuesday that he will not return to the bubble for family reasons. His oldest son, Liam, has previously battled to recover from respiratory illnesses.
“As committed to my Lakers teammates and the organization as I am, I ultimately play basketball for my family … And so, at a time like this, I can’t imagine making any decision that might put my family’s health and well-being at even the slightest risk.”
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski elaborated on Bradley’s decision early Wednesday morning.
“[Bradley’s family] did not believe [Liam] would be cleared along with his family to go into the bubble after the first round of the playoffs and join Avery. [For Bradley,] the idea of being away from his family for three months under those circumstances, and worried about going back into his house and bringing anything in that would negatively affect [Liam] … It was a tough decision.”
“Losing [Avery Bradley] is a significant blow to this Laker team.”
—@wojespn on what led to Bradley deciding not to join his teammates in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/IFkkZFpOEP
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 24, 2020
After the 22 teams in the bubble play eight regular season games, the playoffs will begin for the 16 squads that qualify. And after the first round, the players will be allowed guests in the bubble.
Bradley started 44 of 49 games in his first season with the Lakers, averaging 8.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game.
With Bradley out of the fold, the conversation has turned towards his replacement, and Nick Wright offered a few options on Wednesday morning, including Smith.
“This is a significant loss [for the Lakers] … On the court, this is a big deal for the Lakers … He was brought in for a very specific reason, which is his perimeter defense … Now, the question is how do the Lakers filled that void? … I would sign JR for depth.”
“I 1000% support Avery Bradley. … On the court this is a big deal for the Lakers. Bradley’s counting stats aren’t wildly impressive but he was brought in for a very specific reason — his perimeter defense. … I’d sign J.R. Smith & consider starting Caruso.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/jp4WaVOkf5
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 24, 2020
By signing Smith, the Lakers won’t have to worry about a new piece getting used to playing with their superstar point guard in James.
Smith and James spent four seasons in Cleveland with LeBron, winning a title in 2016 in the midst of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances for the Cavaliers.
That championship, unfortunately, wasn’t Smith’s most famous Cleveland moment.
Moving on.
Wojnarowski revealed late Tuesday night that the Lakers’ brass had already been in contact with Smith’s agent Rich Paul, who also serves as LeBron’s agent.
Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and Smith’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, were discussing a possible agreement Tuesday night and were expected to speak again Wednesday, sources said.
ESPN story on JR Smith emerging as a leading candidate to join Lakers roster for Orlando restart. https://t.co/krFNVYdzwr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2020
Smith, a 15-year NBA veteran, hasn’t played a game since November 2018 with the Cavaliers. He has career averages of 12.5 points and 3.2 rebounds, while shooting 37% from three.
This is a developing story.
