LeBron James has always been the best player on his team so it’s rare that anybody can keep him in check. However, JR Smith seems to be one of the few guys who can do it. Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Smith has been refreshingly honest about his superstar teammate.
It’s no secret that James can get made at his teammates from time to time. Speaking to the media on Friday, Smith gave some unique insight into how James has matured over the years:
I’d say more than anything he’s more patient now. I think when he was younger, he had that more of a shorter fuse with things I would say.
Now, whether it be a good thing or a bad thing, he has changed his work ethic. I just think he’s more relatable and easier to get along with. Before, he was always so focused on his drive and winning and stuff like that, but I feel like that pressure is kind of off his shoulders, and he can just be him.
He doesn’t have to orchestrate the offense or the defense or what somebody did wrong. He can let the coaches do their job. I think that a true testament to him growing. I watch interviews and stuff when people say he’s “not coachable” because he knows so much about the game, but he’s probably the most coachable person out there.
More than anything I think he’s just so much more patient and his delivery and how he goes about the process of the game if he sees something he doesn’t like, of course, he’s going to say something, but I think he gives people more of a chance and opportunity to voice their opinion and do their job.
James has been seen as a transcendent basketball player since he was really young so it makes sense why he may have felt a lot more pressure in previous years. Based on everything that’s come out of the bubble, it sounds like he’s been very laid back. There’s no doubt his attitude has been a big part why the Lakers’ team chemistry has been so strong.
Frank Vogel Praises Smith & Dion Waiters
Given the circumstances and how long it has been since they played, it’s hard to know what kind of roles Smith and Dion Waiters will have with the Lakers during the NBA reboot. It might take some time for them to shake off the rust but head coach Frank Vogel seems really happy with what the two men bring.
“They both bring toughness and sway,” Vogel said of Smith and Waiters. “Those guys are killers. They go after it with great competitive spirit, and they have the talent to back it up and be highly productive on the court. They’ve proven that throughout their careers.
“They’re being asked to come into an already strong locker room where our chemistry has been a strength of ours this year and to fit in and contribute in a positive way.”
The Lakers have lost a couple of key contributors already and injuries are bound to happen at some pint. The team could end up having to rely on Waiters and/or Smith at some point.
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Lakers Are All About Winning
The Lakers have a lot of personality and big names on the roster, but according to Smith, the team is very focused on one goal right now.
#Lakers‘ JR Smith says that “egos” have been checked at the door on this team. This team is all “about winning”
It’s no surprise Los Angeles remains focused. The Lakers are a franchise that’s always been about winning. They also have players like Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard, who have spent years being stars in the NBA but haven’t won a championship. This a big opportunity for the team and players. It’s clear that they don’t want to squander it.
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JR Smith Gets Surprisingly Honest About LeBron James, Talks ‘Short Fuse’