J.R. Smith Says LeBron James Canceled Their Golf Outing After Lakers' Luka Doncic, Reaves Injuries
LeBron James cancelled a recent golf outing with former teammate J.R. Smith following injuries to Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
"We were supposed to play golf," Smith said in an interview on Thursday. "He's like, 'Man, I can't play golf. I've got too much on my shoulders right now. If this was five years ago I would definitely play.' It's tough, man. It's always next man up mentality, so I'm excited to see who can possibly step up for them."
James and Smith were previously teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the Lakers, winning two championships together.
This year, Dončić is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury while Reaves is dealing with a Grade 2 left oblique injury.
Both players are expected to be sidelined to begin the 2026 playoffs, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
James will handle a larger offensive workload until either player is able to return, as the Lakers are currently battling for positioning in the Western Conference standings.
Los Angeles owns the No. 4 spot in the West with a 50-29 record, although the Houston Rockets hold an identical 50-29 mark. Both teams are also just 1.5 games back from the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 seed.
As for James, he's remained effective throughout his 23rd season in the NBA. The 22-time All-Star is averaging 20.8 points, 7.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game on 51.2/30.9/73.8 shooting splits.
