JR Smith Recalls 2018 NBA Finals Boo-Boo, Says 'We All Mess Up' Sometimes

J.R. Smith is waiting in the wings for his next stop with the 2019-20 NBA season underway. No team has come close to signing the one-time NBA champion although that could change in a snap. Like it or not, one of his forgettable moments was during the 2018 NBA Finals. That lapse in judgment during game 1 of the championship was not one of his brightest moments.

Until recently, Smith did not talk about that incident. To recall, the 34-year-old collared the missed free throw of teammate George Hill but ended up running out the clock. The score was tied then at 107-all and the best thing he could have done was attempt a shot, CBS Sports reported.

Now years later, Smith finally spoke on the subject. He appeared on "All The Smoke" alongside former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. He revealed how his coach then, Tyronn Lue, remained supportive despite the boo-boo.

"I hit [Tyronn Lue] that night and I was like, 'Bro, I don't even know what to say.' He was like, 'Bro, what are you talking about? You made a basketball play and it didn't work out. It happens.' "

With regard to his take on the whole thing, Smith admits he made a mistake. However, he added that everyone does make mistakes. It just so happened that his happened on a grand stage.

"I laughed about that s--- that night … I'm not a person to hold on to s---. I'm not going to hold on to no grudges," Smith said. "I'll never forget it but players f--- up, it just so happened that mine was in the Finals. … We've all messed up."

As most probably know, that was one of the lows of Smith's career. But the fact remains that he is still an NBA champion. He is also a former Sixth Man of the Year awardee. At his age, he can still be of help to any team in need of a swingman off the bench.

In a previous post, it was suggested that the Lakers are seriously considering him. If it materializes, he will reunite with LeBron James - someone who was not pleased with that 2018 Finals lapse. Perhaps all things will be better should they be teammates again. This is for as long as Smith remains alert and keeps his mind in the game.