J.R. Smith: Expected to join Lakers

The Lakers are expected to finalize a deal with Smith before the league's transaction window closes Tuesday, Marc Stein of the New York Times reports.

News of a potential Smith signing emerged last week in the wake of Avery Bradley opting out of playing in Orlando, and it appears a deal will be reached within the next 36 hours before final rosters are locked on Wednesday. Smith, of course, has a history of playing alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, but the 34-year-old hasn't appeared in an NBA game since November 2018. During that 2018-19 campaign, Smith appeared in just 11 contests for the Cavaliers and shot 30.8 percent from three-point range.