2. J.R. Smith could be a locker room distraction to the Los Angeles Lakers
J.R. Smith has a long list of trouble both on and off the court.
In years gone by, his off-court lowlights include an altercation outside a nightclub and violating the NBA’s substance abuse policy on numerous occasions.
Even as recently as a month ago, Smith was in an altercation with a man who smashed the window of his car during a protest, landing numerous kicks and punches to his head.
On the court, Smith has been in numerous brawls and has a reputation for being a dirty player, to the point where many compilation videos have been created specifically to highlight this.
As recently as game 2 of the 2017-18 Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, Smith infamously pushed Al Horford in the back while he was airborne in what was widely condemned as an incredibly dirty play.
One of the greatest strengths of the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers has been an incredible locker room atmosphere, with the team loaded with high-character guys. Adding J.R. Smith and his history of trouble to the team could wind up messing with the chemistry that the team has been building all season.
Is it possible that a veteran locker room led by LeBron James could absorb a volatile personality like Smith’s? Absolutely. After all, Smith was an integral part of James’ 2015-16 championship-winning Cleveland Cavaliers outfit.
However, in 2015-16, Smith’s on-court contribution was at a high enough level where the reward heavily outweighed the risk. Based upon the level of on-court play that Smith has exhibited the past 3 years, I don’t believe that this remains the case. The risk that Smith proves to be a distraction both on and off the court significantly outweighs the reward of his on-court ability.