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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons to sign J. R. Smith

By Justin Hickey

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 27: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Indiana Pacers on October 27, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 27: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Indiana Pacers on October 27, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Lakers will be active in the post-trade deadline market. J. R. Smith may not be the player he once was. But he makes sense for the Lakers on a pro-rated veteran’s minimum deal.

J. R. Smith is long past his prime playing days but that’s okay as he can still help the Los Angeles Lakers and not command anything more than a veteran’s minimum deal. That will also come at a pro-rated amount, as we’re now past the halfway point in the season.

Smith has had a roller-coaster career, he has played on contenders and he has played on bad teams. He has been through all the ups-and-downs the NBA has to offer. That extends to self wise and team-wise.

We haven’t heard anything about Smith getting any workouts since summer. But with the Lakers needing some help off the bench he could be someone to provide that. His game has diminished over the years, but he should be healthy and refreshed after sitting out most of the last calendar year.

With so many guys on the free-agent board such as Jamal Crawford and Nick Young. It makes you think why would you choose Smith over those guys? Also, why is Smith still a free agent, when the Lakers and other teams could’ve signed him by now?

As we start to get closer to the trade deadline, things start to materialize. Trades are made and roster spots open up on teams. Teams that missed out on trade targets turn to buyout players and players who haven’t been on a roster this season.

Players can provide great value on a small contract. That’s what Smith could do if showing he is healthy and willing to accept his role on the Lakers. He would be coming off the bench and playing 15 minutes per night and be someone who can shoot and handle the ball.

He has his inconsistencies, but he can score the ball. Why wouldn’t you take a look at someone that won’t cost more than a pro-rated veteran’s minimum deal?

Volume shooting is Smith’s specialty. You will have good games mixed with bad games. But for a team that’s ready to win now, you need that winner’s mentality with you.

We take a look at three reasons why the Lakers should sign Smith. Detailing why he would be a better option over Crawford and Young.

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