JR sees growth in LeBron's mindset: 'Pressure is off his shoulders'
JR Smith has been with the Los Angeles Lakers for less than a month but has already noticed a positive change in LeBron James' mentality compared to their days together with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Before, he's always been so focused on his drive and winning and stuff like that, but I feel like that pressure is off his shoulders, and he can just be him," Smith told reporters Friday, according to Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell.
Smith added, "He don't have to try to orchestrate the offense or the defense or what somebody did wrong, he can let the coaches do their job, and I think that's a true testament to him growing."
The veteran wing disagrees with the notion that James' vast knowledge of the game makes him uncoachable.
"He’s probably the most coachable person out there. ... If he sees something that he don't like, of course he's going to say something, but I think he gives people more of a chance and an opportunity to voice their opinions and do their job," Smith said.
Smith played parts of four seasons alongside James in Cleveland, a run that included the Cavs' lone championship in 2015-16.
The Lakers are set to resume their 2019-20 campaign July 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers.