NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers Desperately Need J.R. Smith

The Los Angeles Clippers saw Chauncey Billups go down with a scary injury on Monday night. A passing interest in J.R. Smith now has to be a full-on need. 

Broderick Turner of The LA Times reports the Clippers are interested in speaking with Smith when he returns from his stint in China. This report came before Monday's game against the Orlando Magic, in which Chauncey Billups injured his left Achilles tendon during the fourth quarter. 

Hoopsworld editor Steve Kyler reported via Twitter that more than a couple Clippers players stated Billups tore the tendon. In their words, he is "done."

That tweet should put a pall on what has been an explosive and dynamic season. Billups may only be averaging 14.8 points and 4.1 assists per game, but he lends a great deal in experience and leadership. 

There is also the consideration that Billups scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter Monday before he went down with injury. He is a player that can lend a scoring boost when needed.

Now the Clippers are in dire need of a player that can lift the Clippers with timely scoring surges and play some uptempo basketball. 

Smith fits the bill and can slide over to play alongside Chris Paul rather nicely. When you consider the Clippers just signed Smith's former teammate Kenyon Martin, it all makes perfect sense. 

Smith would have provided a solid backup and depth off the bench. With Billups going down, for what could be a very long time, it is imperative the Clippers jump on the best solution available on the open market. 

It's clear they are putting a great emphasis on winning it all this season. Smith would go a long way to make that happen. 

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