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JR Smith speaks on getting acclimated with his new team | Lakers Workouts

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The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed 15-year veteran J.R. Smith to the roster for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

The 34-year-old guard joins the team as a replacement player for the NBA’s Orlando restart, filling the roster vacancy left by Avery Bradley, who opted out of the season for family reasons. This signing reunites Smith with LeBron James, with whom he previously won the 2016 NBA championship while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• Lakers head coach Frank Vogel cited Smith’s “remarkable” physical condition and deep familiarity with James’ playing style as the primary factors for the signing.
• Smith will wear jersey No. 21 for the Lakers as the team prepares to depart for the Orlando bubble.
• During his 20-month absence from the league, Smith reported falling into a “very depressed state,” even stepping away from playing basketball video games.

The Bridge in the Locker Room

In his first media availability on July 6, 2020, Smith described his transition back into the league after his extended time away. Beyond his on-court contributions, Smith identified a specific role for himself as a “bridge” between James and the rest of the roster. According to Smith, his long-standing history with the four-time MVP allows him to translate James’ intense communication style, which can sometimes be misunderstood by teammates who have not played with him as long.

I feel like I’m a bridge for him. I can say things to him that some guys might not want to say, or I can translate what he says to the younger guys who might not understand the intent behind it.

Strategic Integration

Head coach Frank Vogel expects Smith’s learning curve to be minimal because the current Lakers system is designed around James’ strengths. Since the franchise relies on the familiarity between the two veterans, the staff expects Smith to integrate into the team’s set plays quickly. Vogel has emphasized that Smith’s conditioning has been a major positive during early workouts, suggesting that the veteran’s physical state is prepared for the high-intensity environment expected in Orlando.

Smith will join Dion Waiters as a key perimeter addition for a Lakers squad that resumes play on July 30 against the Clippers, with all eyes on how quickly these veteran depth pieces can settle into the rotation before the Western Conference playoffs begin.