JR Smith opens up about feeling 'depressed' while he was out of the NBA

Los Angeles Lakers signed veteran guard JR Smith as a replacement for Avery Bradley ahead of NBA restart at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Rumours about Smith joining Lakers were around for entire 2019-20 season and Smith even worked out for team in February. However, Lakers ended up signing Dion Waiters shortly after Smith's workout with m. 

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JR Smith to Lakers: JR Smith felt depressed during his time away from NBA

According to Sourn California News Group's Kyle Goon, 34-year-old NBA veteran said that he was in a 'very depressed state' while he was out of NBA for a long time. Smith was recently on a conference call with reporters where he spoke about his recent contract with Lakers to play at Orlando bubble. Smith last played in NBA for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019 after y waived him as y were unable to find a trade partner. 

During conference call on Monday (Tuesday IST), Smith revealed that though he is a 'big video gamer', he even stopped playing NBA 2K as his depressed state lasted a few months. Smith explained that he did t feel like practising or working out and wanted thing to do with basketball. As per Smith, he felt low as something he loved and enjoyed playing at highest level was longer re.

Smith apparently felt that is career was prematurely over, which made it 'tough' for him to deal with. However, Smith stated that 'great foundation' he had with his parents helped him.

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Smith spoke about his far, who was always with him and reminded him of his accomplishments and whatever he still has 'left in tank. 2016 NBA champion admitted that if t for his parents and ir support, he would still be 'in that situation'. 42-year-old guard also revealed that he constantly called his nt to check if re were any new opportunities for him.

However, he eventually stopped asking after he kept hearing thing back. Smith decided that he would stop asking and keep working until someone called him.

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Last month, Smith received a call from Lakers after Avery Bradley anunced that he would be sitting out of NBA restart for personal reasons. Though re were mixed reactions about team signing Smith for remainder of season owing to his history with LeBron James, his contract was signed on July 1. Lakers player Danny Green complimented Smith for being in shape, while head coach Frank Vogel also agreed with Green during a conference call on Monday.

Vogel stated that while his absence from league is bound to have affected his game, guard has done a 'remarkable job of keeping himself in shape and staying ready'. Vogel added that it would be a great story and Smith's presence would really help team. 

JR Smith to Lakers: JR Smith career earnings and JR Smith contract details

During call, Smith also mentioned how he feels after being back on court. Smith stated that as he was gone for a while, he is trying to take in much-needed and refreshing environment, but is focusing on taking it 'day-by-day' and trying to enjoy moment as much as he could. He furr explained that as he was in league was most of his adult life, it was a culture shock after it was taken from him. Smith did t realise what he had till it was gone, which is why he just wants to 'enjoy every possible moment'.

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(Im source: Los Angeles Lakers official Instagram)