J.R. Smith reportedly Lakers' 'leading candidate'
Free agent guard/forward J.R. Smith is reportedly a "leading candidate" to replace Avery Bradley on the Los Angeles Lakers' roster, sources told ESPN.
Bradley decided not to join the Lakers for the NBA's restart in Orlando. Smith's agent, Rich Paul, was in talks with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Tuesday night and the two are expected to resume discussions Wednesday. Smith hasn't played since November 2018 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will provide depth to help make up for Bradley's absence, but Smith is unlikely to see meaningful minutes in the Lakers' rotation. Look for Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Rajon Rondo to step up the most in place of Bradley.
Smith averaged 6.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 3-pointers with a 34.2 field goal percentage and 30.8 3-point percentage in 20.2 minutes over 11 games for the Cavaliers in 2018. The 3-point percentage was Smith's lowest since his rookie year (28.8) back in 2004-05.
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