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

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

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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3. Familiarity

Smith has played with LeBron James. They won a title together in 2016, overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the Finals to beat the Warriors. So Bron knows where Smith struggles and where he excels.

I believe that familiarity gives him a leg up on earning a roster spot. Bron likes having guys who can shoot and Smith is able to do that, albeit last year where there were a lot of inconsistencies.

LeBron knows where to find Smith. Their chemistry isn’t top-notch, but Smith played a huge part in that Cavaliers championship. He carved out a nice role and earned himself a nice payday after putting together some solid lines.

The Lakers won’t ask Smith to do much. Come in off the bench, chip in scoring and play tough on defense. He has done that in his career, so it wouldn’t be asking him to step out of his comfort zone.

Despite a blunder in the 2018 playoffs, LeBron seemed to enjoy playing with Smith. There was nothing to contradict that. That could go far in helping Smith land in Los Angeles.

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