The ranks of the NBA unsigned are sticking together. Jamal Crawford advocated for the Los Angeles Lakers to sign fellow free-agent shooting guard J.R. Smith on Wednesday, citing his familiarity playing with LeBron James along with a number of skill-related attributes:
–YES!! Sign that man. Has familiarity with Bron, can guard, knockdown shooter, vet, champion. https://t.co/HDzjTxC4xm
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) March 11, 2020
Smith was among the names discussed after the Lakers waived shooting guard Troy Daniels, and L.A. brought him in for a workout. However, the Lakers ultimately decided to sign former Miami Heat swingman Dion Waiters.
But Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has repeatedly said the team is never really “done” adding pieces, and Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Lakers are still in the market for more shooting. Smith might help to fill that void:
After reaching an agreement to sign Dion Waiters, the Lakers continue to monitor the market for a shooter, such as J.R. Smith, sources say. Smith worked out for the Lakers on Monday, according to sources. L.A. would need to release someone to create roster space for Smith.
While J.R. looks for a potential avenue back to the NBA, so too is “J Crossover.”
Crawford has yet to find a home after averaging 7.9 points and 3.6 assists in 64 games with the Phoenix Suns last year.
The 19-year veteran will be 40 next Friday, but he is still yearning to play some more ball. Charania also reported Crawford has remained in basketball shape in the hopes he will sign with a contender before the year is out.
It remains to be seen whether either Smith or Crawford will be on a roster in the next few months, but they both have plenty of experience and pedigree.
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