Report: Lakers Giving Free Agent J.R. Smith ‘Serious Look’

By Orel Dizon
Updated: October 22, 2019

Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers have one more open roster spot, and it is rumored that they may be interested in using it on free agent J.R. Smith.

On a recent episode of the “Scoop B Radio” podcast, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes said the Lakers are seriously considering signing Smith.

“I think the Lakers are giving him a serious look,” Haynes said. “Because I think they want to go into the season with the roster they have. Check the first 10, 15 games, see how things are going, check the list of numbers and percentages and see what they lack before they decide what they’re gonna do.”

Smith last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who tried to trade him in the 2019 offseason but found no takers. The Cavs instead waived the shooting guard.

Since then, the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets were reported to have interest in him. Nonetheless, Smith still remains unsigned.

Even though he is well past his prime, the 34-year-old can still provide value for a title contender. He is a perimeter threat that opposing teams cannot leave open. He is also a former Sixth Man of the Year award winner and would have no problem coming off the bench.

If the Lakers pick up Smith, he would be reunited with LeBron James. The former teammates helped the Cavs win the franchise’s only championship in 2016.