The NBA career of veteran shooting guard J.R. Smith has been in limbo for most of the past year after he was banished by his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
On Thursday, Smith sent out a tweet regarding a recent trip and set off fan speculation about him possibly signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
https://twitter.com/AsapWoj/status/1192653187691495424
@lakers confirmed 🧐
— J.B. #SportsTalkJB (@young_ent_) November 8, 2019
You better be signing a contract with the Lakers homie! I know you still got that strong D 💪🏼 & unlimited 3️⃣Point shots 🔥 Oh & Go Lakers!!!!
— Chris (@hawkrock12) November 8, 2019
— Young TO 🐝🦉✌🏿👷🏿 (@216YoungTO) November 8, 2019
Lakers?????
— Edwin Encarnacion (@Enyce_413) November 8, 2019
JR – Lakers confirmed
— Marc Lambert (@marclambert10) November 8, 2019
LAAAAAKERS
— Andres Flores (@Flowdrees) November 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/ewayneb23/status/1192652422872743937
Smith turned 34 years old in September and has seen his numbers decline over the past few seasons.
His 2018-19 season was cut short after he made comments about the Cavs tanking the season. He was excused from the team last November, and while the Cavs tried to trade the veteran guard, those attempts ultimately came up short.
During this past offseason the Cavaliers finally released Smith. He has remained a free agent ever since. Should he end up signing with the Lakers, it would very likely be for a veteran’s minimum contract.
It’s unknown exactly what version of Smith the Lakers would get if they did sign the veteran. Would he resemble the player who connected from beyond the arc at a 40.0 percent clip during the 2016-17 season or would it be the player who shot 34.2 percent from the field last year?
Until more concrete evidence of any interest from the Lakers surfaces, it’s probably best for fans to simply let the season play out and enjoy the team’s 6-1 start.
