Why Clips Have the Edge over Knicks in J.R. Smith Recruitment

JR Smith is being highly coveted by multiple teams, but it's the Los Angeles Clippers who have the advantage in recruiting the shooting guard.

The New York Knicks are also after Smith, and Carmelo Anthony told reporters that he would be "happy" if Smith were to join him in New York. 

However, Chris Paul is working hard to bring Smith to Los Angeles. According to ESPN, Paul says the chances of getting Smith are "very high."

"Who knows J.R. better than me?" Paul said of Smith. "Also he knows he'll have the opportunity to play here. He can only make us better."

Paul, Carmelo and Smith all share the same agent, so nobody gets the edge there, plus Smith has been teammates with both players. Figuring out who has the true advantage comes down to one thing only.

The battle for Smith is coming down to the two biggest cities in the country, but the one that will give him the best chance to play should be victorious in the Smith sweepstakes. 

Since the Clippers just lost Chauncey Billups, Los Angeles can give Smith several minutes per game to help the team win. 

Sure, the Knicks can give him minutes too, but they don't need him as bad as Los Angeles does. The Clippers have a strong team, capable of making a solid postseason run, but they really need Smith on their side.

The Knicks shouldn't be heavily pursuing Smith anyway, what with the emergence of Jeremy Lin scoring at will. New York needs defensive help, and Smith won't be giving them that.

What's more, Smith could join another former teammate of his in Kenyon Martin out in Los Angeles.

Everything is leaning toward the Clippers right now, but ultimately the decision is up to Smith. He has to do what's right for him, and if he's smart, he'll go to the team that gives him the best chance of winning. Right now, that's easily the Clippers.