How Did JR Smith Lose Over Half of His $90M NBA Earnings? Shocking Truth Revealed

JR Smith’s career journey is nothing short of fascinating. Imagine being drafted straight out of high school—just a teenager stepping into the big leagues! That’s exactly what happened in 2004 when the New Orleans Hornets chose him as the 18th overall pick. Known for his fearless energy and incredible three-point shooting, Smith quickly became a player from whom fans couldn’t take their eyes off.

Over the years, Smith wore many jerseys. Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and even the Los Angeles Lakers, for a brief period. Along the way, he didn’t just rack up points but also collected two NBA championship rings. Thus proving he had what it took to shine on the biggest stages. With such a colorful career, it’s no surprise Smith earned an estimated $90.9 million (as per HoopsHype) from his league earnings alone. However, not many fans would know the regrets Smith had associated with his league earnings.

JR Smith opens up on not putting his league earnings to better use

For years, J.R. Smith lived the kind of life most people can only dream about. With a career spanning 16 seasons and $90 million in earnings, he had access to everything he could want. Designer clothes, exclusive clubs, and a lifestyle many would envy. But later Smith looked back on those choices with a new perspective — and a lot of regret.

“I could have fed my whole community 10 times over with the money I was just [paying in fines for being] late on the bus,” Smith admitted during an episode of I Am Athlete podcast, hosted by former NFL player Brandon Marshall. His voice carried a mix of frustration and self-awareness. A realization that came too late for him to act on at the height of his career.

Think about that for a moment. Tens of millions of dollars spent on clothes, nightclubs, and even fines. Smith now wonders how many lives he could have transformed instead. “You know how many people you can change [their] lifestyle with $10 million in our hood?” he said, pointing to the missed opportunity to invest in something greater than himself.

Smith, who grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey—a working-class community sandwiched between Philadelphia and New York City—knows firsthand what it’s like to come from a place where resources are limited. Yet, as he moved into the NBA spotlight, he got caught up in maintaining an image. Buying “designer jackets… Jeans [and] book bags” that, he admitted, didn’t bring him lasting happiness.

It wasn’t until after he won his second NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 that Smith started to reflect. “I felt like I had everything, but I still wasn’t whole with me, because I knew there was something missing,” he said. However, he had initiated baby steps towards a change even before this realization or the aforementioned confession.

JR Smith’s attempts to give back to the community

In 2022, Smith teamed up with esports company Complexity Gaming to host a groundbreaking event: the Complexity Stars HBCU Rebirth Rumble. An online Call of Duty: Warzone tournament for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Think about that for a second—a former NBA player venturing into esports to create opportunities for underrepresented students. That’s not something you see every day. But Smith didn’t stop there.

The event was paired with a charity drive, with proceeds going to The HBCU Foundation. An organization dedicated to supporting students and institutions within the HBCU community. The initiative wasn’t just about gaming, but creating real-world impact. Duane Zeno Jackson, Head of Complexity Stars, summed it up perfectly. “JR Smith’s vision for the Complexity Stars HBCU Rebirth Rumble is something that Complexity and the GameSquare team were deeply supportive of. We’re looking forward to bringing more opportunities like this to life.”

If that doesn’t inspire you, consider this: back in 2016, Smith had the vision to combine his love for golf with his passion for giving back. He imagined a charity golf tour where NBA players would visit three cities, play at top-notch golf courses, and pair up with celebrities. Fans could watch their favorite athletes trade basketballs for golf clubs, with proceeds going to charities of their choice. It was a win-win—fun for the fans and meaningful support for communities.

Fast forward to 2017, and Smith brought this dream to life with his Annual Charity Golf Classic, raising $50,000 for the JR Smith Youth Foundation and the Golf For Life Foundation. It’s clear that though he has regrets about not contributing more to the community, it’s not as if he completely evaded the moral responsibility he had. What are your views on Smith’s career? Tell us in the comment section below!