J.R. Smith Reportedly Contacted for Role in 'Space Jam' Sequel

J.R. Smith's career has had so many ups and downs and strange moments that it would arguably be more realistic if it were part of a movie. If the producers of the upcoming Space Jam sequel reportedly have their way, his larger-than-life antics could be making their way to the big screen.

TMZ Sports reported producers have been in contact with the Cleveland Cavaliers guard about a potential part in the unnamed film.

"There is mutual interest," Daniel Hazan, who represents Smith, said.

The 30-year-old does not yet have a defined role for the film. The TMZ report indicated producers are considering him for a voice role at the moment.

Either way, it's likely Smith is benefiting from being teammates with LeBron James, who will reportedly star in the film, according to Rebecca Ford of the Hollywood Reporter. The four-time league MVP agreed to a multimedia deal with Warner Bros. last July, with a sequel for the 1996 classic expected to come some time in the future. Ford also reported earlier this month that Justin Lin of Fast and Furious fame had signed on as the project's director.

"We're definitely missing Bugs and Daffy and Tasmanian Devil and every last one of them, so hopefully we can do some great things," James said last year, per Scott Stump of Today.com.

The first film, which starred Michael Jordan, also featured a Hall of Fame cast of NBAers in minor roles. Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Shawn Bradley, Larry Johnson and Muggsy Bogues made brief appearances in the film. They all played themselves, so it's possible Smith's role would be something similar.

Lin, Andrew Dodge and Alfredo Botello will combine to write the script, per Ford. There is no set date for the film's release—it'd be nearly impossible for James to film this summer, assuming he plans to play for Team USA at the Rio Olympics—so producers have time to fill needed roles.

Smith is nonetheless a perfect comedic asset for a project like this. The guy oozes two things: bad jumpers early in the shot clock and charisma. Given the writers could script the former out of the filming, the latter should be allowed to shine.

Just look at this list of ridiculousness from Smith's time with the New York Knicks; the writers wouldn't even have to include fiction for him. Just take elements of his real life and translate them to the screen. Or, better yet, if this whole Space Jam thing doesn't work out, give Smith his own reality show. We all know it'd be worth watching.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.