JR Smith and LeBron James (Photo by Imagn Images)

JR Smith Reveals New Details on LeBron James That Highlight His Dedication Amid Lakers Injuries

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 2:53 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing the possibility that they would have to rely heavily on a 41-year-old LeBron James in the first round of the playoffs.

How did this happen? Well, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are both in Europe right now, trying to find ways to hasten their recovery from separate injuries. And the next man to step up is none other than LeBron. This might become a defining moment in his career, though. Should he rise up and prove he can still lead a team, pundits might be more forgiving of his claim to the GOAT status.

And he’s started to do the necessary sacrifices off the court just to prolong LA’s season, especially in the upcoming postseason, according to former teammate JR Smith.

“Ah, man. It’s funny. He texted the group chat because it was in Dallas…When he was playing, we were supposed to play golf. He’s like ‘man, I can’t play golf. I got too much on my shoulders right now,” JR Smith revealed what LeBron said in their group chat.

JR Smith said LeBron canceled golf last week when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves got injured pic.twitter.com/7btoAkvi3m
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 10, 2026

That’s some next-level dedication coming from LeBron. We all know he’s been focused on golf for the last couple of years. It has also been integrated into LA’s team activities, especially this season. For LeBron to halt his pastime, that’s the commitment coach JJ Redick would want from his aging star.

LeBron James Shares His Thoughts About LA’s Injury Woes

Before Doncic and Reaves went down with separate injuries, the Lakers were on a roll. They were the third seed in the crowded West and had momentum going into the 2026 playoffs. However, all the positivity was sucked out of the room after both LA guards were injured in the game against the Thunder. And for LeBron, he hated the unfortunate luck at this crucial part of the season.

LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

“It was a shot to the heart and the chest and the mainframe with Luka. I woke up… saw the Reaves news and was like, ‘s---,” LeBron James said in an interview.

There’s a possibility that both Luka and AR can return earlier than reported. But can LBJ hold down the fort until that happens? He surely needs some help from other guys in LA, though.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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