The moment news of the Los Angeles Lakers potentially signing J.R. Smith surfaced online, many had a myriad of reactions. Some were excited that another talented, albeit loud shooter, could be joining the Lakers. Others were dubious if such an erratic shooter should be given a chance to join a contender like the Purple and Gold.
However, it turned out that they weren't going to sign him after all. They decided to sign Dion Waiters on a minimum, as the former Miami guard tries to get his career back on track. Due to this unexpected signing, the hype surrounding Smith's potential arrival to Hollywood transformed into hilarity and memes.
Per usual, the internet was ruthless with their memes.
One of the funniest memes about the entire debacle referenced Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The clip of Uncle Phil laughing his lungs off to Will was supposed to be similar to how LeBron James would be treating his former teammate. After all, he did cost him a Game 1 win against the Golden State Warriors not too long ago.
https://twitter.com/_rockrob/status/1235708904652369920
Another imagined that Smith had an episode reminiscent of Usher in Confessions Part II after learning of the Lakers' decision.
JR Smith finding out the #Lakers signed Dion Waiters over him. #NBA pic.twitter.com/tiIOVIHop1
— Bruce (@SirKingBruce) March 5, 2020
One of the most hilarious memes was about Smith's latest L is the video of a frustrated LeBron James during one of the Cavs' losses to the Warriors in the Finals. It was probably the game where Smith didn't pass the ball to him.
https://twitter.com/Trigger_Trey7/status/1235703026301599744
Some fans probably imagined Smith rushing to the Lakers front office so they can add him to the roster, too.
https://twitter.com/DakotaFuqua77/status/1235710296775372801
Some probably imagined Smith crying his face off as he sees Waiters get a second lease to his career instead of him.
No JR Smith https://t.co/BFH19FrcZN pic.twitter.com/Jb0NeNE5H9
— Jordan⁂ (@Jordan__3210) March 5, 2020
Others harked back to Denzel Washington's performance in Training Day to imagine what Smith must be feeling at the moment. He must feel slighted to be led on like that.




Jr looking at lebron and ad https://t.co/htPjeKf6hx
— John (@iam_johnw) March 5, 2020
Smith is probably drowning his sorrows with a good bottle of Hennessy, as he witnessed his chance at another championship evaporate right before his very eyes.
RIP pic.twitter.com/CAwDIFUaRV
— Rosa Parks’ Burner Account (@Rosasburner) March 5, 2020
Another famous celeb was used to express James' (probable) reaction. This time, it was Eddie Murphy who delivered the fatal blow.
https://twitter.com/Joglovu/status/1235701605489664000
If J.R. Swish needed someone to speak up for his current state of mind, he should look for no other than Stephen A. Smith. One of his legendary breakdowns perfectly described his mood at the moment.
Jr smith finding out lebron ain't gonna carry him again pic.twitter.com/KruK2o9ZEU
— Gavin 🥔 (@HeadBandCurry) March 5, 2020
Finally, Smith may be watching more anime as this clip from Yu-Gi-Oh is a mood for him.
JR Smith pic.twitter.com/drqKgiwjCV
— 2024 (@CoreyDParker_) March 5, 2020
It remains to be seen if Smith will get offers from teams this season. But from the looks of things, he may be spending this year on the sidelines. It may already be a steep climb for him to return to the league at this point.