In 2020, J.R. Smith was exactly what the Lakers needed at the time. He had so much more in him to show the world. And he was clearly not ready to say goodbye to the action so soon. That was when the spot next to his former teammate on the Lakers opened up to him. Smith went on to show why he is the best. As the Miami Heat lost to the Lakers in 6 games, the Lakers won the NBA championship title in 2020. His career has gifted him many wholesome moments that will remain memorable to him as well as the fans. But has his NBA career presented him with the same for his net worth? 

How much did J.R. Smith earn in his NBA career?

Smith has entertained fans for nearly 16 years, playing for several teams. Smith played for five teams throughout his NBA career and amassed great wealth. As per the records of Spotrac, Smith’s professional journey began with the New Orleans Hornets. He signed a four-year deal worth $6,025,307 with the team. The 2004 McDonald’s All-American Game Co-MVP was selected as the 18th overall pick by the franchise. He averaged 10.3 points across 76 games, starting in 56 of them.

In 2006, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. His 3-point shooting excellence and dunking style quickly made the basketball star popular among fans. Following this, he joined James on the Cleveland Cavaliers and won his first championship title. After being waived by the Cavaliers in 2019, he began looking for another home. 

According to Spotrac, Smith made a deal worth $289,803 with the Los Angeles Lakers before his retirement and won his second NBA title. As per Hoops Hype, the basketball legend earned nearly $90 million during his NBA career. However, despite earning so much in his career, there is something that he regrets not doing in his life. And that is making a change in society. He wanted his net worth for a good and greater cause.

J.R. Smith’s one regret in his career 

His skills earned him the title of NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2013. He was great in his own right. In the middle of his NBA career, he even went on to play one year in the CBA. Smith was named a CBA All-Star as well. He has also been equally blessed on the financial side. But looking back, he regrets one thing, he feels he should have contributed more to society. 

Speaking about it during the I Am Athlete podcast, hosted by former NFL player Brandon Marshall, the basketball legend recalled spending money on clubs and clothes, money he could have used to make a meaningful impact on the world.  “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,” he said. He regrets paying fines for being late and not contributing enough to change lives.

He further said, “You know how many people you can change [their] lifestyle with $10 million in our hood? We’d rather go throw $60,000 in the strip club…than go feed 2,500 people in the hood.” He was once fined $50,000. He reflected that those purchases of “designer jackets… jeans [and] book bags” didn’t give him the happiness he truly desired. “I felt like I had everything, but I still wasn’t whole with me, because I knew there was something missing,” he said.

Following his retirement,  he began to look for a new hope. 

J.R. Smith signed an NIL deal 

According to sources, Smith joined North Carolina A&T State University to pursue a degree in liberal studies. He also aimed to join the Aggies golf team. And in October of that year, he successfully made the team. Subsequently, he signed an NIL deal with the apparel brand Lululemon, becoming the brand’s golf ambassador. As per ESPN, he is the first male golfer to sign a deal with the brand.

Although he won’t appear in NCAA-sanctioned events, he will feature in the brand’s advertisements, campaigns, and other promotions. As per Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth is estimated at nearly $35 million. And he uses it wisely. Currently, he has several such measures and initiatives through which he helps people.

His Annual Charity Golf Classic raises nearly $50,000 for the JR Smith Youth Foundation and the Golf For Life Foundation. The Complexity Stars HBCU Rebirth Rumble. An online Call of Duty: Warzone tournament held in association with esports company Complexity Gaming benefits the HBCU foundation. He was inspired and motivating others to walk the same path!