NBA Rumors: Lakers Giving Controversial Swingman Serious Consideration, LeBron Reunion Looming

The Los Angeles Lakers seem pretty loaded heading into the 2019-20 NBA season. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in the wing position. One name that has been mentioned is J.R. Smith.

The 34-year-old cager is a free agent and has yet to hook up with a new team. Los Angeles is reportedly looking into that and is giving Smith a serious look, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported.

“I think they want to go into the season with the roster they have,” Haynes added. “(They want to) check the first 10, 15 games, see how things are going, check the list of numbers and percentages and see what they lack before they decide what they’re gonna do.”

The thing with Smith is that he is also a good defender. He is also no stranger to LeBron James, a teammate of his when both were with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The one-time NBA champion has been idle since he was waived by the Cavs back in July. Other than the Lakers, teams reportedly interested in him include the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets.

For the Lakers, this not the first time that they have been linked to Smith. Back in June, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports suggested that Los Angeles will pursue him if he gets waived. Nothing close to that has happened in the past months until now.

A bigger question right now is how fit is Smith. He saw little action with the Cavaliers last season and has not played competitive ball. While he is a proven player, this could factor in. Smith is used to coming off the bench and knows how to play alongside James.

The Lakers need some offensive sock this NBA season. An in-form Smith could be pivotal for the purple and gold on both ends of the court. After dropping their opening game to the Clippers, some shortcomings may need to be addressed.

The fact remains that the Lakers need more firepower. Smith could be that guy, especially if he maintains his focus. Los Angeles returns to action on Oct. 25 when they face the Utah Jazz at home starting at 10:30 p.m. EDT.