The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to come to terms on a contract that will see veteran JR Smith head to the Orlando bubble with the team as a replacement for Avery Bradley.
Bradley has chosen to sit out the rest of the season, along with a handful of other players.
That is according to reporter Marc Stein, who cites league sources with claims that the Lakers will sign the free-agent guard before 11:59 on Tuesday night, with the NBA’s transaction window set to close on Wednesday this week.
“The Lakers, league sources say, are expected to finalize a rest-of-the-season contract with J.R. Smith before Tuesday’s 11:59 PM ET closure of the NBA’s “transaction window”,” Stein tweeted on Monday.
JR Smith hasn’t played since 2018 and did not leave the Cleveland Cavaliers on very good terms. He’s worked out for a number of teams – including the Lakers – since his departure and could team up with LeBron James again.
The pair won a ring together in 2016; James’ recent social media activity suggests he’s expecting a reunion.
