‘Like we never left’- LeBron James welcomes JR Smith to Lakers on Instagram

Lakers star LeBron James shared a photo of JR Smith posted by the Los Angeles Lakers on his Instagram story to welcome the 34-year-old guard to the team.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran guard JR Smith for the NBA restart on July 30. JR Smith last played in the NBA in 2018 and has been signed to replace Avery Bradley. Bradley opted out of the restart earlier this month.

J.R. Smith joins the #LakeShow with the fourth-most 3-pointers in NBA Finals history. https://t.co/DH8UtiFupD

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 1, 2020

LeBron James welcomed JR Smith to Lakers via an Instagram story

LeBron James shared a photo of JR Smith posted by the LA Lakers on his Instagram story to welcome him to the team.

James wrote “Yessir bro” while referring to Smith, stating that both of them ‘back at it’ like they have ‘never left’. 

James is referring to them playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers together, where they won the Cavaliers their first NBA title in 2016.

It’s been two years since James or Smith have played in a playoff game or played on the same team but James is confident that they’ll be able to pick up from where they left off with the Cavaliers.

Also Read: ‘LeBron James is the reason Lakers are favourites to win NBA title’- GSW star

LeBron James and JR Smith’s friendship

Smith and James played together on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018. During that time, they made four consecutive Finals appearances and broke the city of Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought.

JR Smith has openly accepted that how big an impact LeBron had over him both personally and professionally.

JR spoke openly about how he was so very uncertain and insecure about his game that he used to hide from people. He feared missing out on important points and it was LeBron who helped him gain confidence in the game. 

LeBron and Smith were recently spotted cycling together in LA. 

Also Read: How JR Smith to Lakers could help LeBron James win the NBA title this season

JR Smith’s Lakers jersey number and contract

Smith will wear the number ’21’, which has been confirmed by the Lakers.

As for his contract, he is going to receive $289,803 from Lakers and is going to get paid another $1,456,667 from the Cavs (season 2021-22).

Smith contract is for $289,803 and will now replace Avery Bradley on the eligible roster of players for Orlando. Smith is still being paid $1,456,667 this season (through 2021-22) from the Cavaliers. https://t.co/1dJdTb7Hk3

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 1, 2020

LeBron will be happy to team up with Smith again. Smith does have the experience of playing in playoffs, so it might come in handy to LeBron and the Lakers.

LeBron is leading the charge for the Lakers 17th NBA title. They are the favorites to win the title this time around.