We all missing out here,” J.R. Smith claims that playing alongside LeBron James is both a gift and a curse

J.R. Smith has played alongside big names like Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony in his career but he has stated LeBron James to be his favorite teammate. Smith spoke about his experiences being LeBron's teammate.


“<em>We all missing out here</em>,” J.R. Smith claims that playing alongside LeBron James is both a gift and a curse

Via AMIE SABAU/GETTY

JR Smith, infamously known as ‘Hennygod’ among the fans is a star perceived in multiple manners. Smith is a top 20 3-point shooter of all time but his lowlight in the 2018 NBA Finals overshadows his career accomplishments. The shooting guard last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 bubble and won a championship with them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Smith teamed up with LeBron James from 2014-2018 in Cleveland and the team ended up making 4 straight Finals while clinching the championship in 2016. But considering the aura and the spotlight that surrounds LeBron, being his teammate is a responsibility in its own way. Smith highlighted the pressure that comes along with being LeBron’s teammate. “Honestly, it’s a gift and a curse playing with Bron. I love Bron to death and I love playing on his team because for me, I feel like I thrive more under the pressure” said Smith.

Smith went on to add that different players react differently under pressure. While speaking of the things an organization expects from a teammate of LeBron, Smith stated “It’s either, what did you not do to help him win, and who else did not help him win. It’s like, bro, don’t get me wrong — yes, he had 40-15-9 or 8 — but he missed a free throw, too. Don’t just look at me because I missed an open shot. We all missing out here”.

Related: Kendrick Perkins PREDICTS a ‘good’ playoff run for the Lakers despite LeBron James’ injury

ADVERTISEMENT

J.R. Smith was a key contributor on both ends of the floor for the Cavaliers from 2014-19

jr smith
J.R. Smith (Source: Twitter)


Prior to his stint in Cleveland, Smith played for the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. Smith often made sure the league took notice of him with some emphatic slams. Smith averaged 18 points off the bench while playing for the New York Knicks in 2013 and was awarded 6th man of the year for his efforts.

Smith has been a reliable shooter throughout his career and ranks 19th on the all-time 3-point list with 1930 made threes. He also played an instrumental role as an athletic spot-up shooter for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-2019.

He made important shots while also contributing to a good portion of the NBA’s highlight reels. His defensive presence in game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals made it possible for LeBron James to block Andre Iguodala’s layup attempt and henceforth, win the NBA championship.

In case you missed it:

ADVERTISEMENT

Joel Embiid’s MVP stakes rise as he notches his 23rd 35-point game of the season

 Michael Porter Jr. furiously CHOKES Zach Collins