Report: JR Smith expected to audition for Lakers

After a quiet trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to give free-agent guard JR Smith an audition as soon as next week, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.

Smith hasn't appeared in an NBA game since November 2018 and was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason before his full $15.7-million salary for 2019-20 would become guaranteed. The 34-year-old played alongside Lakers star LeBron James during the latter's second tenure in Cleveland from 2014-18.

Smith owns career averages of 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. The veteran wing would provide the Lakers with another outside threat, as he's a career 37.3% shooter from beyond the arc.

The Lakers are also the favorites to sign fellow free-agent guard Darren Collison if he chooses to come out of retirement, Stein added. The club currently has a full 15-man roster and would need to waive a player to make room for any addition.