Inactive JR Smith has a shot at playing with LeBron James anew as reports indicate the former Cavaliers swingman has been called to work out with the Los Angeles Lakers this week. However, Smith has no automatic ticket to suit up with the LA club as to how he fares during the trial will dictate his fate.
Smith has been out of action for more than a year and has remained unsigned since the Cavaliers waived him last summer. The likelihood of Smith winning a spot in the Lakers roster will partly depend on his previous workings with James.
The two were part of the 2016 Cavaliers that defeated the Golden State Warrior, but according to Bleacher Report, Smith playing with James again will all depend on the workout result.
"There are no guarantees ... They want to see what he can do and if it is a fit, we'll take it from there," the report said, quoting an article published by Heavy.com.
It's quite possible that the Lakers will hire Smith even for a short-term deal. He is seen to pitch in on defense and likely can be count on with his perimeter shooting. Per the same report, Smith boasts of decent stats on the three-point area, his career average at 37.3 percent.
But most importantly, the 35-year-old will be valued due to his experience and deliver valuable minutes by joining the rotation that mostly involves Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
According to Clutch Points, the title-chasing Lakers have been on the lookout for talents they can call on and deliver the goods. On this, Smith was clearly on the radar because of his undeniable skillset.
"He's one of the best catch and shoot players in the league; championship pedigree. He knows how to play at a high level," the report said, quoting a recent analysis on the matter from Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
The report further indicated that Lakers are checking out Smith to see if he would be the right fit in so far as their immediate needs are concerned.
What the veteran will showcase - his mentality and his behavior - will dictate on the next move by the Lakers' front office.
Haynes suggested that the Lakers have been on the assessment mode since the start of the season as team officials are looking to identify the strengths and weaknesses, and then to come up with solutions for the latter.
It might be that Smith could prove as one of the solutions needed by the team, given that he worked with James for more three years and that together the two won an NBA title.
