Did Lakers sign JR Smith, LeBron's ex-teammate, to complete an entertaining roster?

Los Angeles Lakers Lakers reportedly signed a deal with JR Smith this week, reuniting ir star LeBron James with his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate. Smith's signing received mixed reactions online, as people failed to understand how JR Smith will help Lakers win  championship in Avery Bradley's absence. While new addition to ir roster might provide Lakers with a slight edge, Lakers have seemingly added last piece to ir already entertaining roster.

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Why did  Lakers sign JR Smith, who has t played in NBA for over a year?

Though JR Smith has 15 years of experience in NBA, he has t played professional basketball since he was waived by Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. While re were rumours about Lakers singing Smith throughout 2019-20 season, fans expressed surprise when deal was reported to be finalised. Though Smith has experience with current Lakers roster and ir head coach Frank Vogel, he has most experience playing with James. While Smith could spend most of his time on bench, Lakers could use his experience with James to gain an advant during NBA playoffs.

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Have Lakers signed NBA veterans who have some kind of history with LeBron James?

Smith, who is meant to replace Bradley, was waived by Cavaliers after he requested a trade. Though Smith might t make much difference to Lakers team, y could use an NBA veteran who can immediately contribute. Smith won 2016 championship with James, before latter left to play for Lakers. Smith is mostly remembered for 2018 NBA Finals against Golden State Warriors.

With four seconds left on clock and score tied at 107-107, Smith passed to George Hill instead of attempting a clutch shot. Smith was ridiculed for his mishap, while James' memes were shared on internet as he desperately gestured Smith to attempt a shot. While issues between James and Smith were reported, fans have been excited to see duo hopefully play ar NBA Finals toger.

However, Smith is t only NBA veteran with history on team. Rajon Rondo (who was signed same year as James), was James' rival from 2008 to 2013 while he played with Boston Celtics. Rondo was inconsistent during regular season, making it difficult to predict his postseason contributions. JaVale McGee, who previously played for Warriors, was more famous for his role in Shaqtin’ a Fool than his game. Dwight Howard, who has w redeemed himself while with Lakers, came close to falling out with league in 2019. James and Howard were MVP contenders from 2007 to 2009. Lakers signed Markieff Morris in February, who is playing for his fourth team in two years. Lakers' last signing was Dion Waiters, who played with James in 2014. While with Cavaliers, Waiters and James did t get along. 28-year-old was traded to Oklahoma City Thunder, which coincidentally brought Smith to Cavaliers. 

Along with ir history with James, se players have also faced some controversial moments in ir career. Though Lakers have many veterans on ir team, t all of m performed during ir multiple years in NBA. James has led Lakers this entire season, with Anthony Davis providing necessary support. While Smith and ors add experience to team, y also make  Lakers roster more entertaining, according to fans. 

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Could JR Smith end up being a scapegoat for LeBron James?

While most fans blame Smith for missed shot during 2018 NBA Finals, many have also pointed out that James also made an error during final few minutes of game. James, who asked Smith to shoot over Durant, had previously let go of a shot over Steph Curry before passing to Hill. If Lakers end up bowing out of postseason, people believe that blame could be shifted to Smith instead of James. Fox Sports' Skip Bayless had recently taken a dig at James regarding matter, stating that Smith was Lakers star's favourite scapegoat. 

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(Im source: NBA and NBA stats official Twitter)