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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(Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Experience

Smith has been around the league for a long time. 15 years to be exact while donning four different uniforms. He has played on contenders with the Nuggets, Cavaliers and Knicks while suiting up in 971 regular-season games and 130 playoff games.

Experience is not something you can teach. You build it by creating a resume in this league and creating longevity in your career. Smith has earned that respect and the stats show it.

He has shot 37.3% from 3-pointer in his regular-season career. He has continued that consistency into the playoffs by knocking down 37% of his attempts. He is not someone that will need to be brought along slowly, he’s been there and played rather well.

He won’t have his high flying dunks or drop 30 on occasions anymore. But he can provide double-digit scoring nights still. He is very streaky and when he gets hot, he is one of the most entertaining shooters in the league.

The value is there. His mentality is winning now because there is no telling what the future holds for him. At the price he will cost, the Lakers could take a look and not break the bank to do it.

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