WATCH: Kyle Kuzma No Match for JR Smith in Practice as Los Angeles Lakers Get Ready for NBA Restart

After his comical error that cost the Cleveland Cavaliers back in the 2018 NBA Finals, the internet wasn’t kind to JR Smith. Then a year later, he was waived by the Cavs. He was almost a year without a team before the Los Angeles Lakers picked him up. They signed as a replacement for Avery Bradley, who opted out of the NBA return in Orlando.

Since joining, Smith has bonded well with his new teammates and has also done well in practice too. On his Instagram Live videos, one could see how friendly he was with the team. While yesterday, the Lakers’ Twitter account posted a couple of videos of him bossing around during training. After baiting Kyle Kuzma with a smooth pump fake, he attempted a fake pass before sealing the bucket with a hook.

Later they also posted a picture of him announcing him as the “Player of the Day.”

Will JR Smith be able to contribute to the Los Angeles Lakers?

Although he has been signed as a replacement for Bradley, there is a slight chance he may not feature at all. The Lakers are abundantly blessed in the wing department. LeBron James, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Dion Waiters, and Smith. Coach Frank Vogel will certainly have a tough time coming up with a rotation plan but will have the freedom to experiment in the scrimmage games.

Smith has a lot to prove. He will be extra motivated to redeem himself from the internet jokes. He could potentially have a similar resurgence like Dwight Howard had this season. Right from his first workout, he looks like he is on a mission.

Smith is a quality 3 and D wing, and his experience could be fruitful for the Lakers. His shooting and his defense will both be vital for the Lakers after the loss of Bradley, who was an excellent defender. The Lakers begin their bubble journey with a scrimmage game against the Dallas Mavericks. Fans will be excited to finally get a glimpse of LeBron James and Anthony Davis finally returning to the court.