J.R. Smith
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) goes up for a shot against Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) and guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Hardaway Jr. makes 10 3's, Mavs roll past Heat 127-113

By Tim Reynolds May. 04, 2021 10:29 PM EDT

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts after receiving his NBA championship ring before an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Lakers get championship rings with empty arena, full hearts

By Greg Beacham Dec. 22, 2020 10:30 PM EST

FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, stands with forward Anthony Davis during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Los Angeles. James and Davis had the Lakers on course to contend for another NBA title before the coronavirus pandemic upended their first season together. The superstars see no reason they can’t continue their quest in Orlando, and Davis even thinks the Lakers’ chances have improved.(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Lakers won't allow bubble to burst their championship push

By Greg Beacham Jul. 23, 2020 05:31 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2018, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith dribbles to the basket during the first quarter of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Cleveland. J.R. Smith has joined LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for their championship push. The Lakers announced their long-anticipated signing of Smith as a substitute player on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, the first day allowed under the rules of the NBA's summer restart. (AP Photo/Scott R. Galvin, File)
Lakers add veteran J.R. Smith for Orlando championship push

By Greg Beacham Jul. 01, 2020 05:02 PM EDT