“Back at It Like We Never Left” – LeBron James Welcomes JR Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers

The news of Avery Bradley dropping himself out of the Los Angeles Lakers squad came as a surprise to many. However, his reasons are genuine and there is absolutely nothing one can do but to move on. More than half the season is still to go, and the Lakers can not look back. Just the perfect moment for a new entry!

Free Agent JR Smith is all set to finally wear the Golden jersey. He has been on cards for a long time, and when better than now to show off what he’s got? For sure, he must be a little too rusty, given that he has not played in the NBA for more than 1.5 years now. The shooting guard, however, makes for a good choice because he can be a perfect fit for assisting LeBron. The cherry on the cake will be their close association in the past. 

What makes the friendship of LeBron James and JR Smith so special?

While taking you back to the memory lane, I must tell you that the two friends played for The Cleveland Cavaliers for four straight years. Together, they reached four consecutive NBA finals from 2015 till 2018 and won in 2016. In a very honest interview with Showtime Basketball’s All The Smoke, JR Smith explained how big an impact LeBron had over him, both personally and professionally.

“LeBron’s work ethic and drive changed my life.”

JR spoke openly about how he was so very uncertain and insecure about his game that he used to hide from people. He feared missing out on important points, and it was LeBron who helped him gain confidence in the game.

Which magical jersey no. is awarded to JR Smith by Los Angeles Lakers?

Yes exactly, it is ‘21’, and I totally get that any double-digit beginning with initials ‘2’ forces us to think of Kobe. But today, we have JR with the Lakers. According to Bobby Marks, NBA Front Office Insider for ESPN, he is going to receive $289,803 from Lakers and is going to get paid another $1,456,667 from the Cavs (season 2021-22). JR has played 11 playoffs in his life and must be positive about playing more now.

LeBron was so excited to learn about this revelation that he could not stop from dropping an Insta story.

Read More: “LeBron James is not going to win the championship”: NBA Analyst

Let us see how JR’s entry can help the Lakers win the season and make the statement.