Los Angeles Lakers: 3 things to watch for in scrimmage vs. Orlando Magic
By Jason Reed
3. How the team uses J.R. Smith in this game
J.R. Smith is perhaps the most polarizing player for the Los Angeles Lakers right now. Some would argue that it is Dion Waiters, and I am not sure that I would disagree. Personally, though, I am more intrigued by what the team is going to do with Smith.
On paper, we know what the team should be doing with Smith. He should be deserved as a depth wing that only comes in when the other wings are in foul-trouble/the Lakers have fouls to give. He is fine as a spot-up shooter in that role, but some fans seem to think that he will be more than that.
Smith had an okay showing in the scrimmage game against Dallas. He did have a late-game surge that led to the Lakers almost coming back and winning the game, but other than his nifty behind-the-back pass, I did not see anything that I particularly loved out of Smith.
He played 14 of the 40 minutes in the scrimmage but did not see the court with LeBron James at all. LeBron only played the first half and Smith did not come into the game until the second half.
It will be interesting to see if Frank Vogel utilizes Smith in this scrimmage alongside James and reserves the second half for Dion Waiters, who should be on the court when LeBron is off of it to utilize the most of his playmaking ability.
Next. 3 main takeaways from the Mavericks scrimmage. dark
Smith really should only see time on the court with LeBron also on the court. And while I do not personally think Smith should have a big role, who knows how confident the Lakers are in him. Saturday’s scrimmage will continue to answer that question.