JR Smith to Lakers is official now, with the former Cavs star set to ear number 21 on his jersey, once the NBA season restarts in Orlando.
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J.R. Smith will wear No. 21 for the Los Angeles Lakers. The official announcement was made on Los Angeles Lakers twitter handle. The Lakers posted a photo of Smith sporting the number 21 jersey, thereby confirming what he’ll be wearing on his back once the season resumes.
OFFICIAL: Welcome to the squad, @TheRealJRSmith! pic.twitter.com/EW7S7RLktc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 1, 2020
JR Smith replaces Avery Bradley
Smith is added to the team to fill the void created by Avery Bradley for the rest of the 2019-20 NBA season. Bradley will not participate in “the bubble” because of family concerns.
The 6-foot-3 point guard has been a regular starter for the Lakers before the season was suspended due to the corona pandemic on March 11.
Read More: JR Smith to Lakers: LeBron James confirms JR Smith will be joining him for the NBA restart
Why did Lakers have to sign JR Smith?
J.R. Smith is now reunited with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate LeBron James and will look forward to a performance that can win the Lakers the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy for the 17th time.
Two days ago, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka said on a conference call that losing Avery for the rest of the season is a big blow to the team. Rob explained that “It’s tough to lose Avery. His toughness, his defensive tenacity, he was a starter. But we completely understand his decision.”
The Lakers GM also said that “ we will sign a replacement player”, and now we all know the replacement that Lakers was looking for.
Read More: Jordan Bell to Cleveland Cavaliers: Former Warriors man signs 2 year deal with Cavs
JR Smith stats
In 971 career games (395 starts) for New Orleans, Denver, New York, and Cleveland, JR Smith have averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steal in 27.0 minutes while shooting 37.3 percent from three-point range.
Los Angeles Lakers are the top-seeded team in the Western Conference with a record (49-14) and have the best shot on the title ring with their talisman LeBron James ready to lead from the front.>
