Could J.R. Smith reunite with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers? © Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: JR Smith candidate to replace Avery Bradley on Lakers roster

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/24/20

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without one of their top point guards when the NBA season resumes next month at Walt Disney World.

Avery Bradley has opted out of the season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and his decision didn't seem to be a difficult one. The 29-year-old has decided to remain with his family, and it's because his oldest son has a history of struggling to recover from respiratory illness.

At forefront of Bradley’s decision to remain w/ his family is the well-being of the oldest of his 3 children. His 6-year old son has a history of struggling to recover from respiratory illnesses and would’ve been unlikely to be medically cleared to enter bubble with his family. https://t.co/yputDg2VJp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2020

The Lakers, though, already are looking for his replacement ... and it's someone who spent three years with LeBron James in Cleveland. J.R. Smith, who hasn't played a game since November of 2018, reportedly is the front-runner to land the open roster spot, according to Wojnarowski.

Free agent guard JR Smith has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Avery Bradley on the Lakers roster, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2020

This isn't the first time Los Angeles has shown interest in the 34-year-old. Smith worked out for the team in February before they ultimately signed Dion Waiters to a deal instead.

Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope likely will take a majority of the load during Bradley's absence, and Rajon Rondo also is a possibility off the Lakers bench. Smith, though, could provide the organization with more depth as they continue their quest for another NBA title.

Smith has played 15 NBA seasons with stops in New Orleans, Denver and New York. He won an NBA title with James in 2016 and was the league's Sixth Man of the Year in 2013 with the Knicks. Smith averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 41.9% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range.

The NBA has a transaction window through July 1 that allows teams to sign free agents before heading to Orlando.

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